Who Was King Tut

Edwards initially presents information on ancient Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife and then follows this section with a description of tomb desecration in different eras. How does this juxtaposition of ideas imply her own personal beliefs about the practice of “unwrapping parties”? What underlying attitude is reflected in her tone?

Contrast the book’s detailed information on King Tut’s life with the brief description of ancient Egyptian peasants and servants. How does Edwards’s account present a romanticized picture of pharaonic decadence? Use examples from the text to support your analysis.

Research the archaeological evidence found at the great pyramids of Giza and contrast it with the artifacts found in King Tut’s tomb. What does the evidence if King Tut’s luxurious lifestyle imply about the pharaohs who preceded him?

Using information from Chapter 1, describe why the Nile is the “heart” (8) of Ancient Egypt.

Weighing the evidence presented in Chapter 4, what do the circumstances of King Tut’s death imply about his life and the political realities that surrounded him?

Unlike the pharaohs, most ancient Egyptian peasants were simply buried in the sand. How did the society’s beliefs in an afterlife accentuate the disparate levels of wealth and privilege that separated certain social groups in ancient Egypt?

Conduct additional research on the archaeological activity and casual tourism surrounding the ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs in the last few centuries, paying particular attention to the activities supported by the British Museum. Using this information, craft an argument either supporting or opposing the practice of entering tombs and removing artifacts for further study.

Edwards describes an imaginary scene that dramatizes the activities of King Tut’s mourning party. Does this passage enhance or detract from Edwards’s largely historical account? Support your analysis with examples from the text.