Treasures and Tomb of Tut Dazzle Crowd
- Charles Reams
- May 1
- 3 min read
The King Tut Exhibit at Biltmore Estate is now to January 2026
The world-famous Tutankhamen exhibit dazzles crowds from now to January 4, 2026, at the Biltmore Estate.
How was the tomb and the treasures found?
The tomb of Tutankhamun was found in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, after years of searching and clearing debris. After discovering a step in the bedrock, Carter and his team continued to dig, eventually finding a staircase leading to a sealed doorway with the royal seal of Tutankhamun. Peering into the tomb through a hole in the doorway, Carter famously exclaimed, "Yes, wonderful things," after seeing the first glint of gold.
What items are included in the Tut exhibit?
The ante-chamber contains replicas of furniture and Tutankhamun's personal items he had been buried with. The burial chamber exhibits replicas of the sarcophagus and coffin of Tutankhamun. The Treasure Hall shows recreations of statues and jewels found within the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The exhibition includes a three-dimensional recreation of the tomb, replicas of its treasures, and multimedia presentations. Visitors can explore the history of the discovery and the life of the pharaoh.
How long did the pharaohs rule Egypt?
Pharaohs ruled Egypt for approximately 3,000 years, from around 3100 BC to 30 BC. This period saw the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom.
Why is the Tutankhamen exhibit so popular?
The popularity of Tutankhamun's tomb exhibit stems from the incredible discovery of a nearly untouched pharaoh's tomb, a rare occurrence in ancient Egypt. The exhibit features meticulously crafted replicas of the tomb's treasures, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into ancient Egyptian royal funerary practices, art, and craftsmanship. The exhibit also immerses visitors in the story of the tomb's discovery, reliving the excitement of Howard Carter's 1922 find.
How old was Tut at his death?
King Tut (Tutankhamun) died around the age of 18 or 19, which was around 1323 BC. He was only eight or nine years old when he became pharaoh.
What was the cause of Tut’s death?
The exact cause of Tutankhamun's death remains a mystery, but the most likely explanation is a combination of factors, including an injury, likely a fracture at his kneecap, and the presence of malaria. Some theories suggest he may have died from a chariot accident or a blow to the head, but these have not been definitively proven.
How was his tomb prepared since Tut died so young?
The tomb was not built within a pyramid, as was typical for pharaohs of his period. Instead, he was buried in a smaller, less elaborate tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It's believed that his death was sudden, and his burial was rushed, with the tomb being adapted from a partially finished tomb. The rush may have been because his predecessor, Ay, was already preparing a tomb for himself, and it's possible Ay used the tomb for Tut instead.
What is the value of the Tut treasures?
The total value of the treasures in Tutankhamun's tomb is estimated to be worth well over one million pounds ($1.3 billion) in today's currency. This includes the iconic golden mask, valued at around $2 million, and over 5,000 other priceless artifacts.
