Tutankhamun: The first ever view inside the tomb

In late 1922, expert photographer Harry Burton joined archaeologist Howard Carter's team as they uncovered the tomb of ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamun.

Ten years later and with over 5,000 objects from the site documented, Burton had amassed an incredible record of photographs from that world-famous discovery.

One particular photo from Burton's collection recreates the first view Howard Carter had as he broke through the final door into the tomb itself.

We take a look behind this iconic photo, asking two Egyptologists to tell the story about who took it, what's in the photo and why it's so important.

Harry Burton’s photo '0009’ reproduced with permission of the Griffith Institute, University of Oxford

Video by Howard Timberlake

5 July 2024