Humans
Tutankhamun ruled ancient Egypt shortly after a period of religious instability, and objects from his tomb suggest he took advantage to invent new funerary rituals
By Colin Barras
The inner sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun, who ruled during the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt
Buddy Mays / Alamy
A collection of roughly made clay trays and wooden staffs found among the golden treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb may offer the earliest evidence of an important ancient Egyptian royal funerary ritual. The idea is the latest indication that the boy king had a burial unlike that of any other pharaoh.
Tutankhamun’s nine-year-long reign in the 14th century BC came shortly after a period of religious turmoil in ancient…
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
