Tutankhamun was a king of Egypt from about 1332 В. C. until his death around 1322 В. C. His 32________was unimportant. But interest in Tutankhamun began in 1922, when the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb. It had not been opened since ancient times and still had most of its treasures. It is the only tomb of an ancient Egyptian king to be discovered almost completely 33___________.

Tutankhamun became king at about the age of 9. He probably got a lot of help from Ay, his vizier (minister of state) who also became his 34 _____. Historians believe Tutankhamun died at about the age of 18, but they are unsure how. X-rays show that he may have had a head 35 ________ from an accident. Some say that he was murdered.

Officially it is thought he died from an infection after breaking his leg. His tomb is in the Valley of the Kings in central Egypt.

Howard Carter searched for Tutankhamun’s tomb for nearly six years. He finally discovered that its entrance had been hidden by the 36 _________ from digging at the entrance of the nearby tomb of King Ramses VI. Tutankhamun’s four-room tomb contained more than 5,000 objects, including many beautifully 37 _____ and gold-covered items. A wonderful gold mask of Tutankhamun covered the head and shoulders of the royal mummy.

The ancient Egyptians believed in a life after death, which they called the afterlife. They put many personal things into the tomb with them so that they could use them in the afterlife. Among the things discovered in Tutankhamun’s grave were luxurious chests, thrones, beds, linens, clothing, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Carter also found chariots, bows and arrows, swords, daggers, shields, ostrich feather fans, trumpets, statues of Tutankhamun and many Egyptian gods, figures of animals, models of ships, toys, games, and jars containing precious oils. Most of the items found in Tutankhamun’s tomb are now 38___________in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.