The Child Pharaoh

Every time Egypt, more than the pyramids, I always think of the ancient world of Egypt. It was a time when pharaohs ruled the land, and were revered as the avatar of the gods. Perhaps the most recognized pharaoh of ancient Egypt, alongside the Queen of Nile Cleopatra, was the child pharaoh Tutankhamun. The name Tutankhamun is translated as “Living image of Amun.” Amun, or Amon, is the Egyptian deity of creation. Although he had of little significance in history, he is the most recognized pharaoh of ancient Egypt.

The child pharaoh ascended to power at the tender age of 9. Obviously this was a huge responsibility for a child so his reign was handled by his vizier, Ay. He only served as a figurative leader during this time. Perhaps the interest people had of Tutankhamun wasn’t his role in history but the cause of his death. Until today, his death is still left unresolved although numerous theories and speculations have been made. The mummified remains of the young pharaoh were discovered by Howard Carter in 1922; the tomb and remains of Tutankhamun was one of the best preserved.