Treasured: How Tutankhamun Shaped a Century

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 shocked the world and became a household name, sparking an international media obsession and a new history of the young pharaoh. Christina Riggs weaves compelling historical analysis with tales of lives touched by an encounter with Tutankhamun, offering a bold new perspective on his world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Atlantic Books

From the moment Tutankhamun's 3,300-year-old tomb was discovered in 1922, the world was captivated by the young king's remarkable story. Overnight, Tutankhamun became a household name, and his tomb sparked an international media obsession that continues to this day. The discovery of Tutankhamun has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, from pop culture and politics to tourism and heritage. It has also influenced the way we think about the past and the role of ancient civilizations in shaping our world.

Despite Tutankhamun's fame, there is still much to be learned about his life and reign. In Treasured: A New History of Tutankhamun, Christina Riggs weaves compelling historical analysis with personal stories of individuals who were touched by Tutankhamun's legacy. Riggs explores the pharaoh's life and reign, examining his achievements, controversies, and enduring impact on Egyptology and the world.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tutankhamun's story is his tomb, which was discovered by Howard Carter and his team in 1922. The tomb was filled with an incredible array of artifacts, including gold, jewelry, and intricate sculptures. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and society. It has shed light on the religious beliefs, customs, and technology of the time, and has helped to confirm many of the theories and hypotheses that archaeologists have been working on for decades.

In addition to the tomb, Tutankhamun's legacy has also been shaped by his achievements in the military and political arenas. He was a skilled warrior and a successful leader, and his reign saw the expansion of the Egyptian empire into new territories. Tutankhamun's tomb also contains a wealth of information about ancient Egyptian art and architecture, which has helped to deepen our understanding of these subjects.

However, Tutankhamun's story is not without its controversies. Some scholars have questioned the accuracy of the dating of his tomb and the authenticity of the artifacts found within it. There have also been debates about the role of the Egyptian government and the media in the discovery and promotion of Tutankhamun's tomb.

Despite these controversies, Tutankhamun's legacy continues to inspire and intrigue people around the world. His tomb has become a symbol of ancient Egypt and its rich cultural heritage, and his story has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, documentaries, and books. Tutankhamun's impact on popular culture is evident in the many references to the pharaoh in music, literature, and fashion.

In conclusion, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 has had a profound impact on society, culture, and history. It has shed light on the past and helped to shape our understanding of the world. Tutankhamun's legacy continues to inspire and intrigue people around the world, and his tomb remains a symbol of ancient Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

From Pop Culture and Politics to Tourism and Heritage

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, from pop culture and politics to tourism and heritage. The young king's story has captured the imagination of people around the world, and his tomb has become a symbol of ancient Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

In pop culture, Tutankhamun has been featured in numerous films, documentaries, and TV shows. His tomb has been the subject of countless books and articles, and his image has been used in advertising campaigns for everything from luxury goods to travel destinations. The pharaoh's story has also been adapted into comic books, video games, and other forms of media.

Tutankhamun's influence on politics has been significant as well. The discovery of his tomb sparked an international media frenzy, and his story has been used to promote tourism and heritage in Egypt. The Egyptian government has also used Tutankhamun's story to promote its political agenda, highlighting the country's ancient history and cultural heritage.

In terms of tourism, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has been a game-changer. The tomb is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the tomb and its artifacts, learn about Tutankhamun's life and reign, and experience the unique atmosphere of the ancient Egyptian tombs.

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has also had a significant impact on heritage and archaeology. The tomb is a valuable source of information about ancient Egyptian culture and society, and its artifacts provide insights into the religious beliefs, customs, and technology of the time. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has also led to the discovery of other ancient Egyptian tombs, which have shed light on the country's rich cultural heritage.

The Jazz Age to the Climate Crisis

Tutankhamun's story has also had a lasting impact on the way we think about the past and the role of ancient civilizations in shaping our world. The discovery of his tomb has helped to challenge some of the assumptions we have about the past and has led to a renewed interest in ancient history and culture.

One of the most significant ways in which Tutankhamun's story has influenced our understanding of the past is through his burial practices. The pharaoh was buried with an incredible array of artifacts, including gold, jewelry, and intricate sculptures. These artifacts provide insights into the wealth and power of the ancient Egyptian elite and have helped to challenge the idea that the past was a time of poverty and hardship.

Tutankhamun's story has also influenced our understanding of the role of ancient civilizations in shaping our world. The discovery of his tomb has led to a renewed interest in the study of ancient Egypt and other ancient civilizations, and has helped to shed light on the contributions these civilizations have made to our modern world.

In conclusion, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 has had a profound impact on society, culture, and history. The young king's story has captured the imagination of people around the world, and his tomb has become a symbol of ancient Egypt's rich cultural heritage. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb has also had a significant impact on various aspects of society, from pop culture and politics to tourism and heritage. The pharaoh's story has helped to challenge our assumptions about the past and has led to a renewed interest in ancient history and culture. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the past, Tutankhamun's story will continue to inspire and intrigue us.

Weight: 415g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838950538
Edition number: Main