Untitled Flashcards Set

Hi there! Ancient history is super interesting, and Tutankhamun's tomb is like a real-life treasure chest of clues about the past. Let's break down your questions into manageable chunks.

Archaeology Questions:

• Archaeological Terms, Practices, and Techniques:

  • Archaeology: It's like being a detective for the past! Archaeologists study past human societies by digging up and examining physical remains (artifacts).

  • Excavation: This is the careful digging up of a site, layer by layer, to uncover artifacts.

  • Stratigraphy: Think of it like a cake with layers. The deeper the layer, the older the artifacts in it usually are.

  • Artifacts: These are objects made or used by humans, like pottery, tools, or jewelry.

  • Site Survey: Before digging, archaeologists often use tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to "see" what's buried underground without digging. This is non-destructive.

  • Dating Methods: Techniques to figure out how old something is, like carbon-14 dating (for organic materials) or thermoluminescence dating (for pottery).

• Changing Nature of Excavation and Recording:

  • Early archaeology was sometimes like treasure hunting, with less focus on careful recording. Now, it's very scientific.

  • Modern archaeologists use detailed grid systems, photography, and digital mapping to record everything precisely.

  • The use of computers and digital tools have vastly improved the recording and analysing of findings.

• Contribution of Archaeological and Scientific Techniques:

  • Site Surveys (Radar): Help find hidden structures without digging, saving time and preventing damage.

  • Excavation: Uncovers the physical evidence of past lives.

  • Dating Methods: Provide a timeline for events.

  • Forensic Examination: Helps analyze human remains, like figuring out how someone died or what they ate.

  • DNA Analysis: Can reveal relationships between people, their origins, and even diseases they had.

• Problems Reconstructing the Past:

  • Incomplete Evidence: Not everything survives the passage of time.

  • Bias: Archaeologists have their own interpretations, which can influence how they see things.

  • Looting: Illegal digging can destroy sites and remove artifacts from their context, making it hard to understand their meaning.

  • Decay: time and weather can damage and destroy artifacts.

Tutankhamun Questions:

• Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb:

  • Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, spent years searching for Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

  • In 1922, his team found a step leading down to the tomb's entrance.

  • The funding of the expedition was provided by Lord Carnarvon.

• Howard Carter's Excavation Methods:

  • Carter was very meticulous and took detailed notes and photographs.

  • He numbered and cataloged every artifact, which was a big step forward in archaeological practice.

  • However, some of his chemical preservations have been criticised in modern times.

• Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt:

  • The tomb contained objects like furniture, clothing, and games, which show how wealthy Egyptians lived.

  • The presence of food and drink show what kind of items where consumed.

• Artifacts and Egypt During This Time:

  • Golden Throne: Shows the king's power and wealth, decorated with images of him and his wife. It shows the artistic style of the Amarna period.

  • Chariots: Indicate the importance of chariots in warfare and transportation.

  • Canopic Jars: These held Tutankhamun's organs, revealing beliefs about the afterlife.

• Purpose of the Rooms:

  • The tomb was designed as a resting place for the king, with rooms for his treasures and supplies for the afterlife.

  • The burial chamber was where his sarcophagus was located.

  • The treasury held many of his valuable possesions.

• Condition of Tutankhamun's Remains:

  • His mummy was damaged over time, both by ancient robbers and by Carter's initial examination.

  • Modern CT scans have revealed more about his health and possible causes of death.

• Mummification:

  • The tomb's contents, like canopic jars and embalming materials, show the complex process of mummification.

  • The layers of linen, and the various amulets show the care taken to prepare the king for the afterlife.

• Funerary Beliefs and Practices:

  • The tomb was filled with objects to ensure Tutankhamun's comfortable afterlife.

  • The walls were decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead, which guided him through the underworld.

  • The presence of Shabti figures, small figures that would work for the king in the afterlife.

• Wall Paintings:

  • They depict scenes of Tutankhamun's journey to the afterlife, including his meeting with gods.

  • They show the importance of rituals and offerings in ensuring a successful afterlife.

• Problems in the Evidence:

  • The tomb was robbed in antiquity, so some artifacts were missing or damaged.

  • Carter's recording methods, while good for the time, weren't as precise as modern techniques.

  • The rapid nature of the discovery meant that some items where damaged in the process of removal.

• Ethical Issues:

  • Disturbing a burial site raises questions about respecting the dead.

  • Removing artifacts from their original context can disconnect them from their cultural meaning.

  • The display of human remains is a sensitive issue.

• Ethical and Conservation Issues:

  • Keeping the tomb stable in a hot, dry climate is a challenge.

  • Protecting the delicate artifacts from damage by tourists and the environment is essential.

  • The use of modern technology to study the remains has to be done with respect.

• Representation of Tutankhamun:

  • After the tomb's discovery, Tutankhamun became a global sensation, appearing in books, movies, and exhibitions.

  • He's often portrayed as a young, glamorous king, which has helped popularize ancient Egyptian history.

  • Sometimes the "curse of the pharaohs" has been used to sensationalize the story.