M. Eaton-Krauss, The Sarcophagus In The Tomb of Tutankhamun.
32 pp; 20 pls; 4 figs; ISBN 0 900416 57 2; 1993. £25.00.

On February 12, 1924, Howard Carter presided over the lifting of the lid from the sarcophagus in the tomb of Tutankhamun to reveal the shrouded nest of coffins that contained the royal mummy. While the sarcophagus had received summary notice at first, it was later virtually ignored in the excitement generated by the gold coffins. Now, almost seven decades later, the sarcophagus finally received the attention this magnificent monument deserves.

Following a detailed analysis of the sarcophagus's architecture and decoration, this book focuses on hitherto unrecognized evidence that the box was altered in antiquitiy, in all likelihood to adapt it for Tutankhamun from a previous owner. The list of possible candidates for the original ownership of the box is reviewed, with the balance of evidence favouring Tutankhamun's predecessor, his putative brother Smenkhkare.

The book includes translation of and commentary of the inscriptions, and is illustrated by Harry Burton's photographs taken during the clearance of the tomb.

Frontispiece.

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