King Tut's Tomb Opened 103 Years Ago

Archaeologist Howard Carter's discovery of the Egyptian pharaoh's burial chamber revealed a treasure trove of golden artifacts.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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On February 16, 1923, archaeologist Howard Carter opened the burial chamber of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut. Carter's discovery of the tomb revealed a wealth of golden objects and funeral jewelry, some of which are now on display at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Fine Art in Kansas City, Missouri.

Why it matters

King Tut's tomb is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture and funerary practices. The artifacts recovered from the tomb have become iconic symbols of this ancient civilization and continue to captivate people around the world.

The details

When Carter and his team first entered the tomb, they were amazed by the sheer volume of treasures and artifacts they found, including golden coffins, jewelry, and other funeral objects. These items have since become some of the most recognizable and valuable artifacts from ancient Egypt, with many of them now on display in museums around the world.

  • On February 16, 1923, archaeologist Howard Carter opened the burial chamber of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

The players

Howard Carter

The British archaeologist who led the team that discovered King Tut's tomb in 1922.

Tutankhamun

Also known as King Tut, he was an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom period.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Fine Art

A renowned art museum in Kansas City, Missouri that houses some of the artifacts from King Tut's tomb.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

King Tut's tomb remains one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, providing a window into the rich cultural and funerary practices of ancient Egypt. The artifacts recovered from the tomb continue to captivate people around the world and are a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient civilization.