Overview

It is often thought that the story of Tutankhamun ended when the thousands of dazzling items discovered by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon were transported to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and put on display. But there is far more to the boy-king's story. Tutankhamun and the Tomb that Changed the World explores the 100 years of research on Tutankhamun that have taken place since the tomb's discovery, from the several objects in the tomb made of meteoritic iron that came from outer space to new evidence that shows that Tutankhamun may actually have been a warrior who went into battle. Author Bob Brier also takes readers behind the scenes of the recent CT-scans of Tutankhamun's mummy to reveal more secrets of the young pharaoh. The book also illustrates the wide-ranging impact the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb had on fields beyond Egyptology. Brier examines how the discovery of the tomb influenced Egyptian politics and contributed to the downfall of colonialism in Egypt. Outside Egypt, the modern blockbuster exhibitions that raise great sums of monies for museums around the world all began with Tutankhamun, as did the idea of documenting every object discovered in place before it was moved. And to a great extent, the modern fascination with ancient Egypt was also greatly promoted by the Tutmania that surrounded the discovery of the tomb. Deeply informed by the latest research and presented in vivid detail, Tutankhamun and the Tomb that Changed the World is a compelling introduction to the world's greatest archaeological discovery.

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9780197800409

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Reviews

Tutankhamun still raises many questions, argues Egyptologist Bob Brier in his stylish book celebrating the century since the pharaoh's tomb was rediscovered. * Nature * Accessible and engaging. * Ancient Egypt * Brier has a particular style, which is engaging and accessible. As such, the book can be read as something of an introduction to pharaonic Egypt, and some of the politics surrounding Egyptology that other Tutankhamun titles may lack. * Ancient Egypt * An accessible, engaging synthesis. * New Scientist * Brier's history of the medical examination of Tutankhamun's mummy is excellent and a cautionary tale concerning the information that can be gleaned from the ancient dead. * Minerva * On the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the golden boy Tutankhamun, we have to honor the careful work of the great archaeologist Howard Carter. The story of the curse, the magic, and the thrill of the discovery is narrated beautifully in this book by Bob Brier. * Zahi Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities and co-author of Giza and the Pyramids * Brier's book cuts a swashbuckling swathe through the romantic and dramatic history of the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb. He explores the vicissitudes suffered by the boy-king's mummy, current research on it, the story of the curse, and the many marvelous and ordinary objects found in the only virtually intact kingly tomb to be found in the Valley of the Kings. * Salima Ikram, Distinguished University Professor, American University in Cairo and author of Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt * If you think you know everything about Tut, discard that idea. Little-known tidbits of Egyptological lore are interwoven with new discoveries and fresh interpretations of the world's most famous king. This is both a fun and informative read. I couldn't put it down! * Rita Freed, Chair Emerita, Art of Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston * Brier's writing is gripping and accessible to the general public. The book is an easy and interesting read. * Choice *

Author Information

Bob Brier is Senior Research Fellow at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, whose previous book include The Murder of Tutankhamun, Egyptomania, Ancient Egypt, and, with Jean-Pierre Houdin, The Secret of the Great Pyramid. Recognized as one of the world's foremost Egyptologists, he conducts pioneering research in mummification practices and has investigated some of the world's most famous mummies, including King Tut.

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