Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun, often called 'King Tut,' was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the New Kingdom period. Born as Tutankhaten, he ascended to the throne at around age 9, following the death of his father Akhenaten. His reign marked a significant period in Egyptian history as it represented a return to traditional Egyptian religious practices after his father's controversial monotheistic reforms. Due to his young age, most state affairs were managed by his Grand Vizier Ay and General Horemheb. Tutankhamun married his half-sister Ankhesenamun, and they had two stillborn daughters. His reign, though short, was marked by efforts to restore the old Egyptian pantheon and repair diplomatic relations with other kingdoms. He died unexpectedly around age 19, possibly due to a combination of malaria and a leg injury that became infected. The discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter provided unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian royal burial practices and made him the most famous pharaoh in modern popular culture.