Behind the Sealed Door: The Discovery of The Tomb and Treasures of Tutankhamun

When the tomb of “King Tut”–the pharaoh Tutankhamun–was discovered in 1922 the entire world was thrilled, for behind the sealed door was the richest treasure from an ancient civilization that has ever been brought to light. Rich jewels, exquisite furniture and other artifacts, beautiful statues, and a coffin of solid gold–chamber after chamber crammed with riches–rewarded long years of search on the part of archeologist Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon.

Just as important as the treasures were the hundreds of objects that revealed how the young king and his subjects lived. Tutankhamun was a child-king. He took the throne in 1334 B.C., at the age of nine, and ruled only about ten years before he died.

The Swinburnes’ simple but authoritative text tells of the discovery of the tomb in a lively narrative as exciting as a mystery story. The work of the archeologists, the magnificent treasures they found, and the life of Tutankhamun are described in fascinating detail.

Over 100 stunning photographs–42 in full color–and a mylar insert shoring the coffins and mummy of Tutankhamun illustrate this highly readable book.