Tutankhamun’s tomb undergoes preservation for future generations.

Since its discovery in 1922, the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun has attracted countless tourists, leaving their mark on its priceless artifacts.

After a nine-year conservation project, the tomb has been restored to its original splendor, uncovering some fascinating discoveries in the process.

Researchers were concerned that moisture and carbon dioxide from tourists' breath were causing brown spots and microbial growth to appear on the burial chamber’s paintings.

Scratches and abrasions were also found in areas that had been frequently accessed by visitors and film crews in the confined space.

To eliminate the spots and create a sustainable plan for the tomb's future, the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, along with Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities, launched a conservation collaboration that concluded last week.

‘Spots are no longer a concern’

King Tutankhamun ascended to the throne of ancient Egypt at the age of 9, ruling until his untimely death at 19, from around 1333 B.C. to 1323 B.C. His tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings across the Nile from Luxor, is renowned for being found almost perfectly preserved and for holding thousands of remarkable artifacts.

The tomb still houses the mummy of King Tut, a quartzite sarcophagus, his wooden outer coffin, and wall paintings that depict his life and death.

Conservators examined whether the brown growths were spreading, still active, or posed a risk to the paintings' condition.

By comparing photographs from the 1920s with the current state of the paintings, it was confirmed that the spots had not changed. Scientific analysis later determined that the growths were dormant and had fused with the paint layer.

Lori Wong, a conservator on the project, explained, 'There’s no safe way to remove them. They no longer pose a threat to the tomb and likely began growing thousands of years ago, shortly after the paintings were created.'

Evidence suggests the burial was conducted in haste.

During the early stages of restoration, conservators discovered evidence supporting the theory that Tutankhamun’s death was unexpected, and that the tomb was not originally intended for him. According to Wong, the ancient Egyptians likely repurposed a tomb already under construction, quickly preparing it for the young king’s burial.

Tut’s tomb is the only known Egyptian burial to have suffered from brown spots, raising the possibility that his interment was rushed. It’s possible that the paint had not fully dried when the tomb was sealed.

Additionally, the tomb's cramped space and the fact that the burial chamber, the most sacred part of the tomb, is the only area with painted decorations, suggests a deviation from the norm for the tombs of prominent Egyptian kings.

It was initially believed that all four walls of the burial chamber would have the same number of paint layers, but the restoration team discovered otherwise. 'One wall is missing an entire layer that is present on the other three,' Wong explained, adding further evidence of the tomb's hasty construction.

Inbred and unwell?

Despite the grandeur of Tutankhamun’s burial, his death may have followed a more ordinary path. While the exact cause remains unclear, a 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that malaria, brought on by a leg infection, was the likely cause of his death.

In 2014, CT scans were used to create a 'virtual autopsy' of the pharaoh, revealing further details about his health. The scans produced the first full-size image of Tutankhamun, showing a severely deformed left foot, which suggests a clubfoot, possibly linked to a rare bone disorder.

Experts believe Tutankhamun’s frail health may have been due to inbreeding, as genetic analysis indicates that his parents were likely siblings.

Preserved for generations to come

In 2014, an exact full-sized replica of Tutankhamun's tomb was constructed in Egypt, but to preserve the original as an ongoing attraction, conservators have taken steps to prevent damage from tourists. The tomb now features a newly installed viewing platform, along with enhanced walkways, informative signage, better lighting, and an air filtration system to mitigate the effects of visitors' perspiration and the dust they bring in on their shoes.

'Future care of the tomb requires meticulous management, maintenance, and attention,' explained Neville Agnew, the project's leader. 'It continues to serve both as an educational resource and a financial asset for Egypt, benefiting both the nation and the global community.'