The moment they opened King Tutankhamun’s tomb on November 4, 1922, marked one of the most momentous events in the history of archaeology, filled with both anticipation and mystery. The tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, had been sealed for over 3,000 years. British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team had been meticulously searching for the burial site of the young pharaoh for several years, and after a painstaking excavation, they finally broke through the sealed doorway. As the tomb’s entrance was uncovered, Carter’s first view of the inner chamber was obscured by dust and shadows, but his famous words upon peering inside, “Yes, wonderful things,” reflected the awe and excitement of this historic discovery. The tomb was nearly intact, an extraordinary find considering the widespread looting that had ravaged many of Egypt’s royal tombs over the centuries.
What awaited inside was beyond Carter’s wildest expectations—a treasure trove of priceless artifacts and a perfectly preserved mummy. The tomb was filled with thousands of items, including chariots, golden jewelry, statues, and the iconic solid gold death mask of Tutankhamun himself. These objects provided a stunning glimpse into the life and death of the boy king, who had ascended to the throne at a young age and died under mysterious circumstances. The artifacts offered invaluable insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices, royal life, and art. The sheer wealth of the tomb and its extraordinary p
4 November 1922: Discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb
On this day in 1922 archaeologist Howard Carter discovered a set of stone steps that led to the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Carter at Tutankhamun’s tomb with a box of artefacts
(Image credit: © George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)
