Hornbill (Prose): Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues

Topics in this chapter

• Tutankhamun’s Life and Kingship
• Ancient Egyptian Religion and Society
• Tomb Discovery and Excavation
• Mummification and Royal Burial
• Scientific Study of the Mummy
• Historical Evidence and Investigation
• Media Sensationalism and the Curse

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-BEB8CD

   What was the principal purpose of the CT scan performed on Tutankhamun's mummy?

   1. A.To locate hidden treasures inside the tomb
   2. B.To examine the mummy's body in detail without unwrapping it
   3. C.To restore the paintings on the tomb walls
   4. D.To translate the inscriptions found in the tomb
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-E3D738

   Why was Tutankhamun's mummy badly damaged when Howard Carter attempted to remove it from the coffin?

   1. A.The mummy had been damaged by a flood before Carter entered the tomb
   2. B.The resins used during mummification had hardened and fixed the mummy to the coffin
   3. C.The priests had intentionally broken the mummy before burial
   4. D.The mummy was attacked by robbers after its discovery
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-C2A328

   Which conclusion best explains the idea of the 'curse of the pharaoh' associated with Tutankhamun's tomb?

   1. A.Scientific tests proved that the tomb contained a deadly supernatural force
   2. B.The belief grew mainly through sensational reporting and was not supported by convincing scientific evidence
   3. C.The ancient Egyptians left a written warning that caused the deaths of all visitors
   4. D.The curse was created by modern scientists to protect the mummy
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-156730

   How does the investigation of Tutankhamun's mummy show the difference between Carter's archaeological approach and modern scientific methods?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-170B49

   Which statement best describes Tutankhamun's position as a ruler?

   1. A.He became pharaoh after a long and successful military career.
   2. B.He became pharaoh as a child and died while still very young.
   3. C.He ruled Egypt for several decades and died of old age.
   4. D.He was a common soldier who never occupied the Egyptian throne.
   See the answer and solution