In the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt in 1922, new information continues to surface despite a century having passed.

Dr. Nicholas Brown from Yale University suggests that some objects previously overlooked in the tomb hold significant religious importance. Brown believes that a “modest” collection of objects in the tomb, such as the clay trays and wooden staffs found near Tutankhamun’s coffin, are crucial parts of the “Osirian funerary ritual” dedicated to the underworld god Osiris, which he thinks was personally organized by Tutankhamun. According to Brown’s research, the clay trays found near the pharaoh’s coffin were used for sacred offerings made with water from the Nile River. The staffs, on the other hand, symbolized Tutankhamun’s resurrection after death, mirroring the myth of Osiris’ awakening. This discovery also sheds light on Tutankhamun’s efforts to revive the traditional Osirian belief system, in contrast to his ancestor Akhenaten’s transition to a monotheistic faith. While Tutankhamun’s tomb is famous for its golden mask and thousands of precious artifacts, this new research reveals the historical significance even of seemingly simple objects.

Tutankhamun, Egypt’s child pharaoh

It is believed that the child pharaoh ruled between 1332 and 1323 BC, ascending to the throne at around 8-9 years of age. Due to being born from aincestuous marriage, it is speculated that the famous pharaoh struggled with various illnesses, shortening his life. However, there are also various legends suggesting that the pharaoh was assassinated or met with an accident.