The Enduring Mystique of King Tut in Popular Culture
It’s been almost a century since the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, commonly known as King Tut, but the fascination with his life and legacy continues to intrigue people. From movies and books to fashion and jewelry, King Tut has remained an enduring icon in popular culture.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why King Tut still holds sway over our collective imagination and why his legacy continues to be relevant today.
The Early Days of King Tut’s Discovery
The story of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb is a fascinating tale of adventure and discovery, one which continues to intrigue people to this day. It all began in 1922 when British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team stumbled upon the tomb of Tutankhamun, buried deep in the Valley of the Kings.
Carter’s discovery sent shockwaves through the world of archaeology, as it was the first tomb to be found intact. The treasures that were unearthed from the tomb, including the famous golden mask of King Tut, captivated the world and remain some of the most recognizable images of ancient Egypt.
The Legend of King Tut
One of the reasons why King Tut remains such an enduring icon in popular culture is the story of his short life. Tutankhamun was only nine years old when he ascended to the throne, and his reign was brief and largely unremarkable. However, his untimely death at the age of 18, the mystery surrounding his burial and the treasures that were discovered all contributed to the creation of a legend.
The story of King Tut has been retold countless times in books, TV shows, documentaries and movies. In fact, the 1963 movie “Cleopatra,” starring Elizabeth Taylor, helped to popularize the image of an exotic and opulent ancient Egypt that we still associate with the era today.
King Tut in Fashion and Jewelry
King Tut’s legacy extends beyond the world of archaeology and into fashion and jewelry. In the 1920s, shortly after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, Egyptian-inspired fashion became all the rage in both Europe and America.
Clothing and accessories featuring motifs such as hieroglyphics, ankhs, and scarabs became popular, with the King Tut-inspired “Egyptomania” craze reaching its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, King Tut still inspires fashion and jewelry designers, with his image appearing on everything from necklaces to sunglasses.
The Science of King Tut
The scientific study of King Tut is another factor contributing to his enduring mystique. In recent years, researchers have used CT scanning to analyze the mummy of Tutankhamun, revealing new insights into his life and death.
Through these scans, researchers have been able to determine that King Tut suffered from a number of ailments, including a bone disease that may have required him to use a cane. They’ve also established that he was not murdered, as was previously believed, but likely died from complications arising from a broken leg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the enduring mystique of King Tut in popular culture can be attributed to a number of factors, including the story of his discovery, the legend of his short life, the fashion and jewelry inspired by his image, and the science that continues to reveal new insights into his life and death.
Despite the passage of almost a century since his discovery, King Tut remains an iconic figure in popular culture, a testament to the enduring power of ancient Egypt and the fascination that it continues to hold for people around the world.
