Howard Carter

Definition

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist, best known for discovering the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. This monumental discovery in the Valley of the Kings sparked worldwide fascination with ancient Egypt and significantly impacted archaeological practices and public interest in Egyptology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carter's excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb was funded by Lord Carnarvon, who played a significant role in the discovery.
2. The tomb of Tutankhamun was remarkable for its wealth of artifacts, including a solid gold funerary mask and numerous other treasures, many of which are now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
3. Carter faced significant challenges during his excavation, including a lack of funding and skepticism from some in the archaeological community about the existence of undiscovered royal tombs.
4. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb led to a global 'Tutankhamun craze,' which saw increased interest in ancient Egyptian culture and tourism to Egypt.
5. Carter's work set new standards for archaeological excavation and documentation, emphasizing meticulous methods that influenced future archaeological practices.

Review Questions

• How did Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb change public perceptions about ancient Egypt?
  • Howard Carter's discovery transformed public perceptions by revealing the vast wealth and intricate artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization. The treasures found within Tutankhamun's tomb captivated the imagination of people around the world, leading to an unprecedented interest in Egyptology and ancient cultures. This fascination also helped to elevate the status of archaeology as a field of study and encouraged more exploration and research into ancient civilizations.
• Discuss the methodologies Howard Carter used during his excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb and their impact on future archaeological practices.
  • Carter employed meticulous excavation techniques that emphasized careful documentation and preservation of artifacts. He meticulously cataloged items found in the tomb, which set a standard for future archaeological projects. His focus on detailed recording ensured that each artifact's context was maintained, allowing for more accurate historical interpretations. This approach has become foundational in modern archaeology, where context is crucial for understanding artifacts and sites.
• Evaluate the long-term cultural and historical significance of Howard Carter's discovery in relation to Egyptology and tourism.
  • Howard Carter's discovery had profound long-term effects on both Egyptology and global tourism. It not only sparked an enduring fascination with ancient Egypt but also established a framework for scholarly research that would define Egyptology as a discipline. Furthermore, the 'Tutankhamun craze' greatly increased tourism to Egypt, leading to greater international interest in its heritage sites. This ongoing influx has both positive economic impacts on Egypt and challenges related to conservation and preservation of its archaeological treasures.

Related terms

Tutankhamun: The young pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt, whose nearly intact tomb was discovered by Howard Carter, revealing a wealth of artifacts and treasures.

Valley of the Kings: A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried, including the tomb of Tutankhamun discovered by Carter.

Egyptology: The study of ancient Egyptian history, language, literature, religion, and art, which gained immense popularity after Carter's discovery.