The AfterlifeTutankhamen’s tomb suggests that the philosophy
of eternal life was pervasive in the Nile Valley. The
story of the afterlife transcribed on his tomb sug-
gests that death is the entrance into the afterlife. It
is in the afterlife that one receives a new life and
mission for the next life. His tomb also explains
the religious tenets of immortality.
Christianity and TutankhamenMany of the words and verses of the Bible come
to life and take on new meaning when one begins
to examine the life and death of Tutankhamen. It
is in his death and the discovery of the tomb that
other religious beliefs gain more credibility. The
detailed pictures and words describe religious
beliefs that were before a mystery to religious
believers. His tomb explains the meanings of the
words “being born again” and to “receive life
after death.”
Healing and TutankhamenWhen Tutankhamen’s tomb was opened, at least
50 jars of essential oils were found in his tomb.
These are the same types of oils that are today
used for healing purposes in both traditional
hospitals and alternative medical practices. The
use of essential oils has developed into the prac-
tice of aromatherapy, which is a regenerated
healing practice that came from Egyptian reli-
gious practices. These ancient practices have
been incorporated into modern-day religious
ceremonies, especially the use of frankincense,
myrrh, and hyssop.
During most of Tutankhamen’s short reign,
the country was actually run by senior officials
most likely under the command of Queen Tiye.
The senior officials brought peace to the political
process that had been disrupted by Akhenaten,
and they put an end to the worship of Aton, who
had been introduced by the former Pharaoh. It
was the vizier Ay (who would become the next
Pharaoh) who oversaw the return to Amen. They
abandoned Akhetaten and returned to the city of
Waset.
Tutankhamen’s Death
Much controversy and speculation has occurred
about the death of Tutankhamen. It was believed by
scholars for many centuries that he was treacherously
murdered. Recently, it has been found that he died of
natural causes. He actually died as a result of a leg
wound that became infected and led to his early death.
Tutankhamen was one of the few pharaohs whose
burial remains were not stolen by tomb robbers.Tutankhamen and Rituals
Many of the pictographs that were found in
Tutankhamen’s tomb describe in detail the reli-
gious rituals that were used before his death and
in the afterlife. Thanks to the graphic nature of
the panels found in his burial chambers, we can
now understand in simplistic form the necessity
for rituals in all spiritual beliefs. Tutankhamen’s
return to Waset and the worship of Amen repre-
sented one of the lasting historical moments in
Kemet’s history. Yet when he died at the age of 18,
he probably would have remained generally unre-
marked had it not been for the discovery of his
grave in the 20th century.Edona M. AlexandriaSeealsoAkhenatenFurther Readings
Asante, M. K. (2007).The History of Africa. London:
Routledge.
Carter, H. (1977).The Discovery of the Tomb of
Tutankhamen. New York: Dover.
Edwards, E. S. (1977).Treasures of Tutankhamun.
New York: Ballantine.TUTSI
The Tutsi have lived in close proximity to the Twa
and Hutu in the forested great lakes area of
Central Africa, what is now known as North-
western Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda,
Burundi, and Southwestern Uganda. The Tutsi,Tutsi 675