A stunning gold funerary mask from ancient Egypt, showcased in a London museum exhibit.
Egypt is marking 104 years since archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings on November 4, 1922, considered one of the greatest finds in archaeology. Unlike many royal burial sites stripped by looters, this one was almost untouched, holding more than 5,000 objects, including a gold funerary mask, a solid gold coffin, and the pharaoh’s mummy. Tutankhamun became king at about nine and ruled for roughly a decade. The discovery set off a worldwide media frenzy and deepened understanding of ancient Egypt, including its burial practices. Tutankhamun’s death then became the subject of investigation, with scans and DNA analysis suggesting he suffered from congenital illnesses and died following complications linked to a broken leg and severe malaria. His treasures remain a major attraction, including at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum, while the tomb and other antiquities continue to support Egypt’s tourism economy.