The Story of Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun reigned during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550-1307BC) when the Egyptian Empire was at its height. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs explores the amazing artefacts and monuments of the period and traces the history of the royal family. Find out more about What You'll See.

The 18th Dynasty saw many of Ancient Egypt's greatest rulers and most famous characters, names such as Amenhotep, Thutmosis, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten and Nefertiti live on.

Tutankhamun's Parentage

Tutankhamun was born during the revolutionary Amarna Period, which had the king Akhenaten at its centre. It is thought that Tutankhamun was the offspring of Akhenaten and a minor wife named Kiya.

Prince Tutankhaten becomes King Tutankhamun

Tutankhaten was born and spent his early childhood in Egypt's new capital city, Amarna. He ascended the throne while still a child of 9 years old (c. 1333 BC).

Guided by two officials of the court, the general Horemheb and the "god's father" Aye, Tutankhamun restored the old religion and re-established Thebes as Egypt's religious capital and Memphis as its administrative centre. Amarna was abandoned.

Tutankhaten changed his name to Tutankhamun in order to reflect the restoration of the traditional religion with the god Amun at its head. Tutankhaten translates as "Living Image of the Aten" and Tutankhamun means "Living Image of Amun".

What Did He Really Look Like?

You'll see a reconstruction of Tutankhamun's skull at Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. National Geographic also commissioned a lifelike reconstruction of the Boy King's head which was produced using CT scans in 2005 and the latest forensic techniques (pictured). You can find out more about this model in the official exhibition companion book on sale in the gift shop.

The Boy King and the End of a Dynasty

Tutankhamun reigned for around 9 years, making him about 18 when he died. Although married (to Ankhesenamen, daughter of Akhenaten and his chief wife Nefertiti), Tutankhamun had no surviving children. Two stillborn babies were buried with him.

Two officials known from Tutankhamun's reign, Aye and Horemheb, went on to sit on the throne following the boy king's death. Their reigns mark the end of the 18th Dynasty.

How Did Tutankhamun Die?

For years there has been speculation about the cause of Tutankhamun's death. Was he murdered or did he in inherit a disease that doomed a dynasty?

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs looks at these theories and displays the results of the most recent studies of the king's mummy, conducted using the latest scanning technology. It shows that he most likely died from complications following a leg injury.

Read more about death and burial in Egypt

Find out more about Tutankhamun - download your free Visit London Tutankhamun podcast

This feature includes material from Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs: Official Companion Book. This lavishly illustrated, hardback book is much more than just a catalogue; it's packed with background information and was written by Zahi Hawass, possibly the world's leading Egyptologist. Remember to pick up your copy from the exhibition gift shop.