Tutankhamun was a pharaoh of the New Kingdom who ruled for only about ten years and died around the age of 19.

Historically, his most significant act was reversing the religious revolution of his father, Akhenaten, and restoring the traditional Egyptian gods.

He was a relatively minor pharaoh who would have been largely forgotten by history.

His fame is due entirely to the discovery of his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.

The tomb was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter after a long and difficult search.

The significance of the tomb (KV62) is that it was found almost completely intact, having escaped major robbery.

It contained over 5,000 artifacts, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the wealth and craftsmanship of the New Kingdom.

The most famous artifact is Tutankhamun's solid gold death mask.

Scientific analysis of his mummy has provided insights into his health, revealing he suffered from malaria and a bone disorder.

Tutankhamun has become a global symbol of ancient Egypt, far surpassing his actual importance as a ruler.