ICCROM Mora Samples Collection
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Luxor, Tutankhamun Tomb: MRA-EGY-Lux016

Type Sample Item

Sample ID

MRA-EGY-Lux016

Sample Material Type

Mural painting

Sample Sub-type

fragment

Other info about sample identity

Egitto, Touthankamon, Colonie (Hand-written note)

Geographic Location

Country
Egypt
Place
Luxor, Valley of the Kings

Site/monument

Egypt (EGY)
Luxor
Tomb of Tutankhamun

Historical note about the site/monument

The pharaoh Tutankhamun (c. 1334 – 1325 BC) was the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty (New Kingdom), responsible for the restoration of the cult of Amun, and of the buildings related with the same cult, putting to an end to the so-called Amarna period. The discovery of his tomb, in 1922, by Howard Carter, represented a milestone for modern Egyptology as well as for the knowledge of Ancient Egypt. The high number of artifacts found within his tomb – KV62 - (from which, his funerary mask has a special relevance), and their conservation status are, still today, absolutely striking. Robbers have, since then, plundered its artifacts, but it was, mostly, well preserved since its true location was forgotten. It was in 1907 that Howard Carter went to Egypt, to work to Lord Carnavaron (George Herbert, the 5th Earl). There he would find king Tutankhamun’s tomb, in 1922, where he finally entered, in 1923, to find over 5.000 artifacts intact. Conservation issues leaded to the closure of the tomb, in 2009, and it was re-opened to the public in February 2019.

Further reading:
Dodson, Aidan, Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation. American University in Cairo Press, 2009.

Chronological period (sample)

New Kingdom of Egypt - XVIII Dynasty

Inventory