360Howard Carter finds the tomb of Tutankhamun
On 4 November 1922, in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, workers for the archaeologist Howard Carter found a step cut into the rock. It led to the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, hidden for more than 3,000 years. Inside were more than 5,000 objects, including his famous gold mask, now in the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Tutankhamun ruled Egypt as a boy king about 3,300 years ago and died at around 19. Over time his name was almost forgotten, and his small tomb was buried under debris from later building work.
The British archaeologist Howard Carter searched the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, for years with funding from Lord Carnarvon. On 4 November 1922, his team uncovered a step cut into the rock, the start of a staircase leading down to a sealed doorway.
On 26 November, Carter made a small hole and looked inside by candlelight. Asked if he could see anything, he reportedly replied: 'Yes, wonderful things.'
The tomb was the most complete royal burial ever found in Egypt. It took about ten years to record and remove more than 5,000 objects, including chariots, jewellery, a golden throne and the solid gold mask that covered the king's mummy.
The treasures toured the world in exhibitions that drew millions. Today they are displayed together at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids of Giza.
- 4 November 1922
- The first step of the tomb is found
- 26 November 1922
- Carter looks into the tomb
- February 1923
- The burial chamber is opened
- 1925
- The gold mask is uncovered
Sources: Griffith Institute, University of Oxford · Britannica · Grand Egyptian Museum.