3.1. Discovering Tut : the Saga Continues - Class 11 - Hornbill

BhashaLab
Jul 4
4 min read

Updated: Jul 5

Author: A. R. Williams

Textbook: Hornbill

Genre: Non-fiction / Science-based Historical Report

Summary

“Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues” explores the mystery surrounding the life and death of the young Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. Known as the boy king, Tut died unexpectedly at a very young age over 3,300 years ago. His tomb, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, contained astonishing treasures, yet left questions unanswered about his death. The chapter narrates how modern technology—specifically a CT (Computed Tomography) scan in 2005—was used to examine Tut’s remains for forensic reconstruction and medical insights. The scan revealed no new evidence of foul play but did uncover missing bones and signs of post-death damage. The essay also highlights how archaeology has shifted focus from treasure-hunting to studying human history and lifestyle. Alongside Tut’s mysterious death, the chapter discusses the turbulent history of his family, including the radical rule of his father, Akhenaten. The chapter closes with a reflection on the emotional and symbolic aspects of Tut’s final journey through technology, blending science, history, and human sentiment.

Character Sketch

King Tutankhamun (Tut)

King Tut was a teenage pharaoh of ancient Egypt, known more for the mystery surrounding his death than his rule. Though he reigned for only nine years, his tomb's discovery made him world-famous. Tut was the last heir of a powerful dynasty and played a role in restoring traditional religious practices. His death at around 19 was sudden and remains unsolved. He is portrayed as both royal and tragic, and his life continues to inspire awe and investigation. The way he was buried—with gold and everyday objects—shows the importance of belief in the afterlife.

Themes

Theme	Description
Mystery of Death	The chapter explores unanswered questions about Tut’s early death and post-death treatment.
Science and Archaeology	Use of CT scans and forensic tools to study ancient remains shows how science aids history.
Respect for Cultural Heritage	The story reflects concerns about disturbing graves and sacred traditions.
Evolution of Archaeology	Shifts from treasure-focused digging to people-focused research are highlighted.
Symbolism of Rebirth	Treasures buried with Tut reflect the belief in resurrection and afterlife.

✨ Literary Devices

Device	Example / Explanation
Imagery	“Dark-bellied clouds scudded across the desert sky” paints a vivid visual scene.
Metaphor	“The death rattle of a dynasty” compares the fall of a royal line to a dying sound.
Alliteration	“ghostly dust devils,” “dark desert” add rhythm and emphasis.
Symbolism	Orion in the sky represents Osiris, god of afterlife, symbolizing rebirth and protection.
Irony	Despite being buried with riches, Tut's body was damaged during excavation.

Title Justification

The title “Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues” is appropriate because it suggests that the mystery surrounding King Tutankhamun’s life and death is far from over. Even though his tomb was discovered in 1922, questions continue to arise, and new technologies like CT scanning are helping to reveal more about him. The “saga” refers to the ongoing exploration into his ancestry, burial rituals, and the condition of his mummy. Each scientific development adds a new chapter to this unfolding story, making the title accurate and meaningful.

One-Mark Questions

Why has King Tut’s body been subjected to repeated scrutiny?
Tut’s early and mysterious death intrigued researchers and historians. They used modern tools to try to determine the cause of his death.
Why was Howard Carter’s investigation resented?
Carter damaged Tut’s body while trying to remove it from the coffin. He used unscientific methods which caused permanent harm.
Why did Carter have to chisel away the solidified resins?
The resins had hardened and glued the body to the coffin. No gentle method could separate them.
Why was King Tut buried with gilded treasures?
Ancient Egyptians believed in afterlife. Treasures were buried to help the king in his next journey.
Why did Tut change his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun?
He wanted to honor Amun, the old god, and restore traditional worship. The name change symbolized a return to old beliefs.

Three-Mark Questions

List the reasons why Akhenaten was described as "wacky" by Ray Johnson.
Akhenaten promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disk, over traditional gods. He moved the religious capital to Amarna and even changed his name. He closed temples of other gods and destroyed idols of Amun. These actions shocked the people and disturbed the religious order. His radical rule ended the long-standing practices of Egypt, making his reign seem eccentric and disruptive.
What were the results of the CT scan on King Tut’s mummy?
The scan produced 1,700 digital cross-sectional images. It showed detailed images of the skull, ribs, and hands. It confirmed that the body had been badly damaged post-death, possibly during Carter’s removal process. No clear evidence of the cause of death was found. However, it gave a clearer understanding of Tut’s age and health.
Explain how modern technology is changing archaeological practices.
Archaeology now focuses on learning about people, not just finding treasures. Tools like CT scans and X-rays help study mummies without damaging them. These tools give detailed insights into ancient lives and health. Technology ensures preservation and respectful handling of remains. It helps combine history with science for more accurate results.

Value-Based Question

Do you think science should interfere with ancient burial sites? What values can be learned from such explorations?

Scientific study of ancient burial sites helps us learn about human history, culture, and beliefs. It gives insight into medical conditions, lifestyles, and customs of past civilizations. However, this must be done with respect and care, honoring traditions and emotions attached to the dead. We learn values like curiosity, respect for heritage, and responsibility in handling human remains. Balancing science with ethics is key to meaningful discovery.

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