EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TUTANKHAMUN
BBC History Revealed|November 2023
Professor Aidan Dodson answers some of the burning questions surrounding the life and reign of the Boy King
ELLIE CAWTHORNE
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TUTANKHAMUN

Q: Do we know when Tutankhamun was born?

A: Tutankhamun was born in the middle of the 14th century BC, but the precise date is not definitively known. However, it is generally accepted that he died around the age of 18 or 19, which allows us to estimate his birth year by counting back from his death. The historical context of his birth is still a subject of debate, largely dependent on how one interprets the history of that era. It is certain that he lived during a significant period, when Akhenaten was in power. This was a transformative time in Egyptian history, especially among the elite, providing some insight into the circumstances of Tutankhamun's life.

Q: How old was he when he became pharaoh?

A: Tutankhamun is believed to have become pharaoh at a young age, likely around eight or nine years old. As above, this estimate is based on the fact that he died around the age of 18 or 19, in the 10th year of his reign. The concept of a young king ascending to the throne is not unique to Tutankhamun, though; it has been a common occurrence throughout history, including in medieval and modern times. However, it's unlikely that he held significant decision-making power until he reached his late teens. During his early years as pharaoh, a regent likely acted on his behalf, serving as the king's deputy. Therefore, it's improbable that Tutankhamun had a major influence on governance until shortly before his death.

Q: Would he have been prepared for kingship?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BBC HISTORY REVEALEDView all
'Dickens's evocation of the fears, excitement and confusion of childhood is peerless'
BBC History Revealed

'Dickens's evocation of the fears, excitement and confusion of childhood is peerless'

DR LEE JACKSON ON WHY CHARLES DICKENS REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY

time-read
2 mins  |
Christmas 2023
THE AUTHOR GOES ABROAD
BBC History Revealed

THE AUTHOR GOES ABROAD

Dickens expanded his horizons and boosted his fan-base by venturing overseas - but global fame came with a cost

time-read
4 mins  |
Christmas 2023
REVIVING THE FESTIVE SPIRIT
BBC History Revealed

REVIVING THE FESTIVE SPIRIT

A Christmas Carol wasn't just a bestseller - it changed the way that Britons chose to mark the festive season

time-read
3 mins  |
Christmas 2023
GIVING THE POOR A VOICE
BBC History Revealed

GIVING THE POOR A VOICE

From Hard Times to Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens used his pen to help illuminate the lives of the less fortunate

time-read
3 mins  |
Christmas 2023
A JOURNEY THROUGH DICKENS'S LONDON
BBC History Revealed

A JOURNEY THROUGH DICKENS'S LONDON

The works of Charles Dickens are synonymous with visions of Victorian London. We talk to Dr Lee Jackson about the author's love of the capital, and the locations that most inspired him

time-read
10+ mins  |
Christmas 2023
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
BBC History Revealed

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Dr Lee Jackson chronicles Charles Dickens's journey from down-at-luck teenager to titan of Victorian literature

time-read
6 mins  |
Christmas 2023
GIFTS, TREES & FEASTING
BBC History Revealed

GIFTS, TREES & FEASTING

We take a journey through the photo archives to reveal how Christmas and its many traditions have been celebrated over the years - and around the world

time-read
3 mins  |
Christmas 2023
WHAT GREAT PAINTINGS SAY
BBC History Revealed

WHAT GREAT PAINTINGS SAY

We explore the story behind an allegorical painting that celebrates the triumph of love over hate, peace over war

time-read
3 mins  |
Christmas 2023
HELLISH NELL
BBC History Revealed

HELLISH NELL

Malcolm Gaskill delves into the life of Helen Duncan - the fraudulent Scottish medium whose ectoplasm-filled seances saw her ending up on the wrong side of the law

time-read
6 mins  |
Christmas 2023
7 THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE
BBC History Revealed

7 THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE

Presidential historian Dr Lindsay M Chervinsky reveals some of the most surprising facts about the world-famous US residence

time-read
5 mins  |
Christmas 2023