Family tree.
Can you trace a direct line from Ahmose to Tutankhamun?
What happened to the royal line after the death of Tutankhamun?
Who was the royal that Ankhesenamun married after Tutankhamun?
Investigate the statement that Ankhesenamun was married to her father, her half brother and then her Grandfather. Is this potentially true?
Why could this have happened? Investigate the theory of matrilineal decent and inheritance of the throne.
What was Aye's role in the funeral of Tutankhamun? Why was this important for inheritaing the throne?
Tutankhamun's Childhood
Evidence surrounding Tutankhamun's childhood is limited but several aspects of his early life have been deduced from archaeological evidence and historical records. Here are some key features of his childhood:
Birth and Family Background:
Tutankhamun was born around 1341 BCE in Akhetaten, during the reign of his father, Akhenaten, who is known for attempting to establish monotheism by worshipping the sun god Aten. He was raised in his father's city Akhetaten, dedicated to the God Aten. Tutankhamun would have witnessed Aten religious practises, worshipping a form of the sun god in open air temples, with no cult staff or restricted secret cult rooms.
His mother’s identity is still debated, though it is believed she was one of Akhenaten’s wives, Kiya.
He was originally named Tutankhaten (meaning "Living Image of Aten") but changed his name to Tutankhamun (meaning "Living Image of Amun") after Akhenaten’s death, marking a return to the traditional polytheistic worship of Egypt’s gods.
Early Life During Akhenaten’s Reign:
During his childhood, Egypt was in a period of religious upheaval, as Akhenaten moved the capital from Thebes to the city of Amarna and implemented radical religious reforms, focusing on the worship of Aten.
As the son of Akhenaten, Tutankhamun would have been raised in this unique environment, though he would have been a child when the political and religious climate began to shift after his father's death.
Accession to the Throne:
Tutankhamun became pharaoh at a very young age, around 9 or 10 years old, after the death of his father and the brief rule of his possible older brother, Smenkhkare.
He was likely chosen to be king because of his royal lineage, but his youth meant he had little control over the kingdom's affairs. Instead, powerful advisors, particularly Ay (his grandfather or an older relative) and Horemheb, took control of the government.
Education and Training:
As a royal child, Tutankhamun would have received the normal education given to prospective Kings in various subjects, including reading, writing, administration, religion and rituals
He would also have been trained in military and governance skills,
Health:
Tutankhamun’s health as a child may have been compromised by various illnesses. He suffered from several genetic disorders, possible a result of incestuous marriages within the royal family.
Evidence from his mummified remains suggests he had a clubfoot, which would may have made walking difficult, and also training for the military. Evidence from his tomb indicates he was able to navigate his physical issues based on the fact his tomb contained 6 chariots and numerous bows. Around 130 walking sticks were found in his tomb some showing extensive wear.
Influence of Advisors:
Once king, Tutankhamun was heavily reliant on advisors and regents to govern, especially during his childhood. These advisors, such as Aye and Horemheb, played significant roles in stabilizing Egypt after Akhenaten's reign and returning Egypt to traditional religion.
Return to Traditional Religion:
As a young pharaoh, Tutankhamun's reign marked a return to the traditional polytheistic beliefs and the restoration of the god Amun as the central deity, abandoning the Aten worship his father had promoted.
This shift may have been influenced by his advisors or his role as he inherited the throne at such a young age. His Restoration stele described the return in year 4 which would have made him around 13 years of age.
King Tut was the son of the powerful Akhenaten (also known as Amenhotep IV) and most likely one of Akhenaten's sisters. At the time of his birth, ancient Egypt was going through great social and political upheaval, his father's new religion was extremely unpopular and the people feared that the Gods would permanently abandon Egypt. . Tutankhamun's father had forbidden the worship of many gods in favor of worshiping one, Aten, the sun disk. For this, he is known as the "heretic king." Historians differ on how extensive the change from polytheism to monotheism was, or whether Akhenaten was only attempting to elevate Aten above the other gods. It does seem, however, that his intent was to reduce the power of the Amun priests and shift the traditional temple-based economy to a new regime run by local government administrators and military commanders. This must have impacted on the ability to administer Egypt, a task that normally was based in Temples which were now left in ruin.
As the populace was forced to honor Aten, the religious conversion threw the society into chaos. The capital was changed from Thebes to Armana, and Akhenaten put all of his efforts into the religious transition, neglecting domestic and foreign affairs. As the power struggle between old and new intensified, Akhenaten became more autocratic and his regime more corrupt. Following a 17-year reign, he died soon after. Another King named Smenkhare ruled for a few short years moving the royal court back to Thebes. Upon his death Akhenaten's now nine-year-old son, Tutankhamun, took over around 1332 B.C.E.
Tutankhamen grew up in his fathers capital dedicated to the Aten called Akhetaten. It is unlikely that he was initially aware of the changes his father had brought to Egypt's or knowledge of Egypt's traditional gods or indeed life outside of Amarna where Akhnaten's religious revolution had brought great distress and havoc to religion. Tutankhamen would have observed his father officiating at Aten Temples alongside his favorite wife Nefertiti. Scenes from the Amarnan Tombs show an affectionate royal family and an idealized life revolving around Atenism. After the death of Akhenaten and the relocation to Thebes, Tutankhamun would have had to undertake a fast education in polytheism, learning about the many and varied ways of Egyptian Gods, and worship practices associated which each. Pharaoh, was head of all cults in Egypt and he was expected to understand the worship rituals of each, this must of been a challenging learning curve for young Tutankhamun. The Restoration Stele records the jubilation of the people with this popular reform. Quite likely, due to his young age and popular policies Tutankhamun would have been welcomed and accepted to the throne by the masses.
What do we know about Tutankhamun's family?
King Tut belonged to the Eighteenth dynasty of Egyptian Kings during the period of the New Kingdom.
Akhenaten, first known as Amenhotep IV was Tutankhamun's father
Tutankhamun's mother was believed to be a noblewoman called Kiya
His Stepmother was Nefertiti, the chief wife of Akhenaten
Ankhesenpaaten was Tutankhamun's wife was (aka Ankhesanamum and Ankhesenamen). She was also his half sister (daughter of Nefertiti and Akhenaten) He may have had up to 5 other half sisters.
Children: None survived. His two daughters were still born and were buried with Tutankhamun
Aye who became King after Tutankhamun was most likely related.
Aye may have been the father of Queen Tiye (Tutankhamun’s grandmother) or possibly Nefertiti, which would make him either Tutankhamun’s grandfather or great-uncle. He was a high-ranking court official and advisor during Tutankhamun’s reign, holding titles like God’s Father — a title that may indicate a familial relationship, though it could also be honorary.
Dynastic Opportunism: After Tutankhamun’s death, Ay married Ankhesenamun (Tutankhamun’s widow) to solidify his claim to the throne, even though he wasn’t a direct descendant of the Thutmosid line.
Ay is a strong candidate for Nefertiti’s father if his relationship to Tiye and her father Yuya could be proven, but until then it is merely an educated guess based on circumstantial evidence. It may be just as likely that Anen, a Chancellor of Lower Egypt known for sure to be Tiye’s brother, is Nefertiti’s father; he’s known to have had at least four daughters who’s names are not known, and Nefertiti probably had a sister who married the future pharaoh Horemheb.
Releifs from Akhetaten show a loving family, although only daughters were shown in such reliefs. There is no physical record of Tutankhamun from Akhetaten.
Because Tutankhaten was just nine years old when he assumed power in 1332 B.C.E., in Thebes. The first years of his reign were probably controlled by his grandfather Aye, who bore the title of Vizier. Ay was assisted by Horemheb, Egypt's top military commander at the time. It is believed that these men led young Tut to reverse Akhenaten's decree to worship Aten in favor of the traditional polytheistic beliefs, although there is some evidence that this was begun by Smenkare who only ruled for a few short years.
When Tutankhamun a few years after the return to Thebes, he continued the Restoration of traditional religion, repairing temples, reinstating cult staff and reestablishing Amun Re into pre-eminence once again.
While foreign policy was neglected during Akhenaten's reign, Tutankhamun sought to restore better relations with ancient Egypt's neighbors. While there is some evidence to suggest that Tutankhamun's diplomacy was successful, during his reign battles took place between Egypt and the Nubians and Asiatics over territory and control of trade routes. Tutankhamun was trained in the military, the 6 chariots in his tomb attest to his passion for this activity and also archery. The question is did he see any military action? The poor state of his mummy (some scholars have suggested) was due to him dying whilst on military campaign.
Restoration Stele Year 4.
Tutankhamun’s Restoration stele was found in Karnak Temple in 1905. The stele emphasizes the restoration of the temples and cults that had been neglected or destroyed during Akhenaten’s rule, specifically the worship of Amun, the chief god of the traditional Egyptian pantheon with close links to the institution of kingship. Presumably Tutankhamun was crowned in Karnak Temple as was normal in Egyptian New Kingdom Tradition.
The images on Tutankhamun's Restoration Stela depict the young pharaoh making offerings to the traditional Egyptian gods, primarily Amun-Re and Mut, signifying his restoration of the old religious practices. The stela also often shows Tutankhamun actively worshipping Amun and his consort Mut, wearing the war helmet and nemes headress. ( symbolising traditional roles of warrior pharaoh)
Tutankhamun is shown performing ritual offerings to the gods of drink and flowers.The text describes the rebuilding temples and restoring damaged statues and reinstating traditional cults. As chief priest of all cults, it demonstrates Tutankhamun performing as a normal NK high priest.
May he be given Life, like Re forever and ever, Beloved of Amun Lord of the Two Lands, Foremost in Karnak [Ipet-esut], beloved of Atum Lord of the Two Lands of Heliopolis; of Re-Horakhte and Ptah-south-of-his-wall, Lord of Memphis; and of Thoth, Lord of Hieroglyphs [literally, words of the gods] the one who appeared upon the throne of the living Horus, like his father Re.
The good god, son of Amun, son of Kamutef [literally, Bull-of-his-Mother, title of Horus], the good son, the holy egg whom Amun created, father of the Two Lands, the one who makes the one who made him, the ba's of Heliopolis united in order to form him, to be King forever and ever, as Horus, living immortally. He is the effective King who did what was good for his father and all the gods. He restored everything that was ruined, to be his monument forever and ever. He has vanquished chaos from the whole land and has restored Ma'at to her place. He has made lying a crime, the whole land being made as it was at the time of creation.
Now when His Majesty was crowned King the temples and the estates of the gods and goddesses from Elephantine as far as the swamps of Lower Egypt had fallen into ruin. Their shrines had fallen down, turned into piles of rubble and overgrown with weeds. Their sanctuaries were as if they had never existed at all. Their temples had become footpaths. The world was in chaos and the gods had turned their backs on this land. If an army was sent to Djahy to extend the boundaries if Egypt, it would have no success. If you asked a god for advice, he would not attend; and if one spoke to a goddess likewise she would not attend. Hearts were faint in bodies because everything that had been, was destroyed.
Now some days after His Majesty appeared upon the throne of his father and he ruled the "Two Banks of Horus' [Egypt], the Black Land and the Red Land being under his authority and every land bowed down before his might. How His Majesty was in his palace which was in the House of Aakheperkare, being like the Sun in the sky, and His Majesty carried out the works of this land and everything the Two Lands needed every day. Then His Majesty considered in his heart and looked for something which would be effective for his father Amun. He made the holy statue out of genuine electrum, giving to it more than he had done before. He made his father Amun 13 poles long, the holy statue being made of electrum, lapis lazuli, turquoise and every noble and precious stone, although the majesty of this noble god had been only 7 poles long before. His Majesty made monuments for the gods, making their statues from electrum from the tribute of the foreign lands. He renewed their sanctuaries as his monuments forever and ever, endowing them with offerings forever, laying aside for them divine offerings daily, laying aside bread from the earth. He added great wealth on top of that which existed before, doing more than his predecessors had ever done. He allocated waab-priests, God's Servants and the heirs of the Chiefs of the Cities to be the sons of wise men whose reputation is established. He has enriched their tables with gold and silver, bronze and copper without limit. He has filled their storehouses with male and female workers and with His Majesty's booty. He has added to the wealth of every temple, doubling, trebling and quadrupling the silver, gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise and every noble precious stone, together with byssus, white linen, ordinary linen, oil, fat, resin, incense, perfumes and myrrh without limit.
His Majesty, Life Prosperity Health, has made quays for the river from new wood from the hill-slopes from the pick of Negau, inlaid with gold, the tribute of foreign countries, so that they might decorate the river. His Majesty, Life Prosperity Health, picked male and female servants, musicians and dancers who had been women of the palace, their cost being charged to the palace and to the treasury of the Two Lands. I shall have them protected and guarded for my ancestors, the gods, in the hope that they will be contented, by doing what their ka's wish while they protect Egypt.
Now the gods and goddesses of this land are rejoicing in their hearts, the Lords of the temples are in joy, the provinces all rejoice and celebrate throughout this whole land because good has come back into existence. The Ennead [the nine gods of creation] in the temple, their arms are raised in adoration, their hands are filled with jubilees forever and ever. All life and might is with them, and it is for the nose of the mighty King Horus, repeater of births, beloved son of his father Amun Lord of the gods, who made the one who made him, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, his eldest son, the true and beloved one who protects his father who begot him. His Kingship is that of his father Osiris son of Re, the son who is good to the one who begot him, plentiful in monuments, rich in wonders, the one who makes an accurate monument for his father Amun, fair of births, the King who has established Egypt.
How did he manage to achieve this monumental task.
Print this document. Restoration stele
Tutankhmaun's chariots.
Make a list of the afflictions that have been discovered that Tutankhmun suffered.
Which affliction would have been worse in your opinion?
Do you think this source on Tutankhamun is reliable? Why or why not? Give reasons and refer to the headline in your response.
Early picture of Akhenaten as Amunhotep IV. Notice the difference with the wall relief shown above.
This is not just a scene of the Royals eating, they are under the Aten, nearby are offering tables. This is in fact a scene of worship, the Aten is enjoying the offerings along with the royal family. In fact they are both doing the same thing, partaking in divine offerings., the royals are worshipped as divine beings alongside the Aten who is ruling with them.
Amarnan Art had 5 different phases, this late bust of Nefertiti is the naturalism phase. For the first time they represent the person as closely as possible to life.
Tut's babies
Tutankhamun- Public and Private life.
Make a list all the facts we know about Tutankhamun's life, what he liked, his personal connections, his responsibilites.
Next to each fact write a piece of evidence that proves this fact.
Can you think of evidence for each of the following roles.
Public: Pharaoh
Warrior Pharaoh
High Priest
Head of Government
Builder
Private:
Son
Husband
Father
Hunter