Not what I was expecting to explore but I noticed recently a blog post about Tutankhamun in 3D on the stereoscopy blog – Seeing in Three Dimensions and this led me to the page for the Tutankhamun Spatial Archive which is a fascinating project.
Whether you like Egypt, Egyptology or Stereographic images this is one for you – we love all three. Below is a short introduction to the topic.
Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in November 1922 stands as one of the most extraordinary archaeological achievements of the 20th century. After years of searching in the Valley of the Kings, Carter finally uncovered a set of steps leading to a sealed doorway bearing the cartouche of Tutankhamun—an almost mythical pharaoh whose burial place had eluded experts. When the tomb was opened, it became clear that it was remarkably intact, offering a rare glimpse into an ancient royal burial that had escaped extensive looting.
Inside, Carter found a wealth of treasures that illuminated the craftsmanship, religious beliefs, and daily life of ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. The antechamber was filled with gilded couches, chariots, and ritual objects, all carefully arranged for the young king’s journey to the afterlife. Beyond it lay a series of nested shrines encasing Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus and the now-iconic gold funerary mask—one of the most recognisable artefacts in the world. Each chamber revealed new wonders, including jewellery, statues, and a vast assortment of personal items that painted a vivid picture of royal life.
The significance of the discovery extended far beyond the dazzling treasures themselves. Tutankhamun’s tomb provided scholars with invaluable insight into Egypt’s burial customs, religious symbolism, and artistic traditions during a transformative period in its history. Moreover, the worldwide fascination sparked by the find helped to ignite modern Egyptology as a popular field, influencing museum collections, academic research, and public imagination for decades. Carter’s meticulous documentation set new standards for archaeological method, ensuring that the legacy of the “boy king” would continue to inform and inspire future generations.
This led me to re-read the book ‘Tutankhamun’s Treasure’ by Howard Carter published worldwide and available in the UK in 1972 for 30 pence – the abridged version. Even this is very detailed and interesting to read.
Where the worlds of 3D and Egyptology collide is the detailed photographic records of Howard Carter and his team allow the creation of some amazing stereoscopic images and indeed a 3D model of Tutankhamun’s mask. We are hoping to load up some images on this site 3Dadviser.com to create an album of interesting images (watch this space) but nothing quite like what has been created on that site.
We will be watching the beta site carefully to see what other spatial gems are uncovered. 3A.
