Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues – A.R. Williams
Introduction:
The theme of “Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues” revolves around the intersection of modern science and ancient history. The tale explores how advancements in technology and scientific techniques are used to unravel the mysteries surrounding the life, death, and treasures of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, historians, and scientists in piecing together the past. The theme also underscores the enduring fascination with ancient civilizations and the continuous quest to uncover hidden truths through innovative research methods.
Summary of Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues
“Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues” is a chapter that delves deep into the life and mysteries surrounding Tutankhamun, the last ruler of Egypt’s powerful Pharaoh Dynasty. Tutankhamun became king as a teenager and his sudden death raised suspicions of foul play, with some suggesting he might have been murdered. His reign lasted for nine years, during which he adhered to the traditional worship of the god Amun.
In 1922, British Archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered Tutankhamun’s tomb after years of searching. Nearly 80 years later, his mummified remains were removed from the tomb to undergo a CT scan, which aimed to shed light on his life and death through forensic reconstruction.
Tutankhamun’s family history is noteworthy: his father or grandfather, Amenhotep III, was a powerful ruler who governed for four decades. Amenhotep IV, Tutankhamun’s immediate predecessor, took on the name Akhenaten and ushered in a unique period in Egypt’s history. Akhenaten promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disk, and shifted the religious center to the new city of Amarna.
During his reign, Akhenaten defied the traditional worship by attacking the god Amun and relocating the religious capital. After Akhenaten’s brief rule, a mysterious ruler followed, only to be succeeded by Tutankhamun. Tutankhamun’s rule lasted nine years and he reinstated the worship of god Amun in the old ways. His death remained shrouded in mystery.
This chapter offers a fascinating glimpse into the life, death, and elaborate burial of Tutankhamun, providing insights into ancient Egyptian history and culture.
Multiple Choice Questions
Sure, here are the MCQs along with their respective answers:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who is Osiris?
(a) God of nature
(b) God of afterlife
(c) God of seasons
(d) God of universe
- What was Tut lavished with?
(a) Gold, silver, flowers
(b) Lots of jewels
(c) “Glittering goods: precious collars, inlaid necklaces and bracelets, rings, amulets, a ceremonial apron, sandals, sheaths for his fingers and toes all of pure gold”
(d) Expensive clothing
- “Tut was laid to rest, laden with __.”
(a) Platinum
(b) Gold
(c) Precious gemstones
(d) Silver
- When was the mummy examined in X-Ray by the anatomy professor?
(a) In 1945
(b) In 1986
(c) In 1968
(d) Never
- How did Carter cut the body of Tut?
(a) First head and then every limb
(b) First leg and then head
(c) First legs, head and then limbs
(d) Limb, hand only
- Why did the third coffin put Carter in trouble?
(a) It was empty
(b) The resins used to cement Tut to the bottom of the solid gold coffin which was hardened enough
(c) The material found inside was already looted
(d) None of the above
- How would you describe Tut’s tomb?
(a) Gold-plated
(b) Rock-cut
(c) Wall paintings with gold-plate
(d) Rock-cut, 26 feet underground, which had wall paintings
- For how many years did Amenhotep III rule Egypt?
(a) 5 years
(b) 20 years
(c) 10 years
(d) 40 years
- Who promoted the worship of Aten (the sun disk)?
(a) Tutankhamun
(b) Amenhotep III
(c) Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten)
(d) None of the above
- For how many years did Tutankhamun rule Egypt?
(a) Nine
(b) Eleven
(c) Two
(d) Five
- When did Tut die?
(a) 22000 years ago
(b) More than 3300 years ago
(c) 10000 years ago
(d) 16000 years ago
- Who said “The mummy is in very bad condition because of what Carter did in the 1920s”?
(a) Carter
(b) Zahi Hawass
(c) An anatomy professor
(d) An Egypt historian
- Why did the procedure stop in between?
(a) As the spare fan stopped working
(b) As the light went off
(c) As the lift broke down
(d) None of the above
- What does CT scan stand for?
(a) Computed Telegraphy
(b) Computed Tomography Scan
(c) Car Topology
(d) Computer Technology
- What is the Cemetery of Tut called?
(a) Valley of the Kings
(b) Tut’s Resting Place
(c) Resting Peace
(d) Valley of Flowers
- What facts were revealed when the mummy was X-Rayed in 1968?
(a) His several possessions were missing
(b) His hip bone was missing
(c) His breast bone and front ribs were missing
(d) His feet bone was missing
- What did Carter and his men do after cutting down his body?
(a) They sent it for X-Ray
(b) They examined them carefully
(c) They placed it on the layer of sand in a wooden box
(d) They clicked photographs
- How did Carter remove the resins?
(a) With the help of chisel and hammer
(b) With the help of chemicals
(c) With the help of machinery
(d) With the help of manpower
- What was in the first coffin?
(a) Garlands of olives, lotus petals, and cornflowers
(b) Flowers and coins
(c) Gold, wealth, bronze razor, games, clothes, cases of food and wine
(d) It was empty
- What was found with Tutankhamun’s body?
(a) Gold
(b) Egyptian Gold Coin
(c) Nothing as such
(d) Gold, wealth, bronze razor, games, clothes, cases of food and wine
- What name did Amenhotep IV change to?
(a) Amarna
(b) Atul
(c) Akhenaten
(d) Amun
- How has archaeology changed through the decades?
(a) Focusing less on treasure and more on the fascinating details of life and mysteries of death
(b) Focusing more on physical findings
(c) Focusing on time factors more
(d) Focusing more on treasure
23. What did Carter and his men do after cutting down his body?
(a) They sent it for X-Ray
(b) They examined them carefully
(c) They placed it on the layer of sand in a wooden box
(d) They clicked photographs
24. How did Carter remove the resins?
(a) With the help of chisel and hammer
(b) With the help of chemicals
(c) With the help of machinery
(d) With the help of manpower
25. What was in the first coffin?
(a) Garlands of olives, lotus petals, and cornflowers
(b) Flowers and coins
(c) Gold, wealth, bronze razor, games, clothes, cases of food and wine
(d) It was empty
26. What was found with Tutankhamun’s body?
(a) Gold
(b) Egyptian Gold Coin
(c) Nothing as such
(d) Gold, wealth, bronze razor, games, clothes, cases of food and wine
27. What name did Amenhotep IV change to?
(a) Amarna
(b) Atul
(c) Akhenaten
(d) Amun
28. How has archaeology changed through the decades?
(a) Focused more on treasure
(b) Focused more on physical findings
(c) Focused on time factors more
(d) Focused less on treasure and more on the fascinating details of life and mysteries of death
Textbook Questions
Question 1:
Give reasons for the following:
(i) King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny.
Answer:
King Tutankhamun’s mummy has been a subject of immense interest due to its opulent burial and the mysteries surrounding his death. Thus, researchers have repeatedly examined it to unravel the secrets that lie within.
(ii) Howard Carter’s investigation was resented.
Answer:
Howard Carter’s excavation methods were unconventional and unscientific, focusing more on acquiring treasures rather than preserving historical and cultural aspects. This approach was met with resentment from the academic community.
(iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains.
Answer:
Carter found that the ritual resins used during Tut’s burial had solidified over time, adhering the mummy to the bottom of the gold coffin. To release the king’s remains, the resins needed to be chiseled away.
(iv) Tut’s body was buried along with gilded treasures.
Answer:
In ancient Egyptian culture, the belief in the afterlife led to the inclusion of precious items with the deceased, symbolizing their transition to the next world. Tutankhamun’s body was accompanied by gilded treasures to ensure his eternal journey.
(v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.
Answer:
Tutankhaten initially embraced the worship of Aten, the sun god, like his predecessor Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). However, after ascending the throne, he restored the worship of Amun and changed his name to Tutankhamun, meaning “Living Image of Amun,” to reinforce his connection to the traditional Egyptian gods.
Question 2:
(i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as ‘wacky’.
Answer:
Ray Johnson found Akhenaten’s actions unconventional and even eccentric due to his abrupt shift in religious practices. These deeds included moving the religious capital to a new city, promoting Aten worship, smashing Amun’s images, and closing his temples.
(ii) What were the results of the CT scan?
Answer:
The CT scan generated a series of cross-sectional X-ray images, revealing detailed insights into Tutankhamun’s mummy. Clear images of his head, neck vertebrae, ribcage, and skull emerged, aiding researchers in understanding his physical condition and possible causes of death.
(iii) List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.
Answer:
Advances in technology have revolutionized forensic analysis, enabling detailed investigations into various aspects of a subject’s life and death. These include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, post-mortems, autopsies, and biopsies. Such advancements provide accurate diagnoses and detailed information.
(iv) Explain the statement, “King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned— in death as in life.”
Answer:
In life, Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a young age, and in death, his mummy became a pioneering subject for scientific scrutiny. The first X-ray in 1968 and subsequent CT scans in 2005 have unveiled mysteries surrounding his life and death, placing him at the forefront of scientific exploration even after his demise.
Question 3:
Why did Tut’s body have to undergo a CT scan? How was it carried out and what results did it yield?
Answer:
The CT scan of Tutankhamun’s mummy was conducted to unveil concealed aspects of his life and death that had intrigued historians for decades. This non-invasive technique involved using a CT scanner to capture cross-sectional X-ray images of the mummy. The procedure yielded detailed information about Tut’s physical condition, the state of his bones, and potential causes of his death.
In 2005, a portable CT machine was positioned near Tut’s tomb, and his mummy was transported for the scan. The scanner produced approximately 1700 digital X-ray images in cross-section, unveiling Tut’s head, neck vertebrae, ribcage, and skull. These images, compiled in a three-dimensional format, provided unprecedented insights into his physiology and potential health issues, thereby shedding light on his mysterious demise.
