This children’s article, Who Was Tutankhamun? Secrets of the Boy King, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and explore ancient history. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The kid on the throne
Tutankhamun, or King Tut, as he’s often known, was a pharaoh in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. Amazingly, he became king at just nine years old! Imagine being in charge of a whole country while most kids your age are still learning times tables. Luckily, he had grown-ups called advisors to guide him, but in the end, big decisions were still up to him. That’s a lot of pressure for a kid!
The discovery of his tomb
Tutankhamun is probably the most famous Egyptian pharaoh, not because of what he did in life, but because of what was found after his death.
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb hidden in the Valley of the Kings. Inside was a dazzling collection of treasures. There were over 5,000 items, including golden masks, sparkling jewellery, statues, and even chariots.
This incredible find gave the world a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian life, and it’s still teaching us new things today. You can watch a video all about the discovery on YouTube.
A mysterious death
Tutankhamun died young, probably around the age of 19, and his death is still a mystery. Scientists have studied his mummy for years, hoping to find answers.
Some believe he may have been injured in an accident, while others think he was seriously ill. Whatever the cause, his short life meant he ruled Egypt for only about 10 years.
Why is Tutankhamun important?
Even though Tutankhamun ruled for only a short time, his tomb turned out to be one of the most important discoveries in history. Because it hadn’t been robbed like so many others, the treasures inside taught historians a huge amount about ancient Egyptian art, religion, and how people were buried.
Today, Tutankhamun’s golden mask is one of the most famous images from the ancient world. He’s proof that even a short life can leave behind a lasting story.
Article vocabulary list
- Pharaoh – The king or ruler of ancient Egypt.
- Advisor – A person who gives advice or help with decisions.
- Tomb – A special place where someone is buried.
- Treasure – Valuable objects like gold, jewellery, or statues.
- Archaeologist – Someone who studies ancient places and objects.
- Mummy – A preserved ancient body, especially from Egypt.
- Ancient – Very old or from a long time ago.
- Jewellery – Decorative items worn like necklaces or rings.
- Chariot – A type of ancient horse-drawn vehicle.
- Robbed – When someone steals from a place, like a tomb.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. How old was Tutankhamun when he became king?
a) 5 years old
b) 9 years old
c) 19 years old
Answer: b) 9 years old
2. What was found inside Tutankhamun’s tomb?
Answer: Golden masks, jewellery, and statues.
3. Who found Tutankhamun’s tomb?
a) A team of scientists
b) Howard Carter
c) King Tut himself
Answer: b) Howard Carter
4. How long did Tutankhamun rule Egypt?
a) About 10 years
b) Over 20 years
c) Less than 5 years
Answer: a) About 10 years
5. Why is Tutankhamun’s tomb important?
Answer: It was full of treasure and other items. Archaeologists were able to learn a lot about ancient Egypt thanks to this tomb.
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
