The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-02-18
PHARAOH TOMB
. TOY|ELD INNER
SECRET TODAY
Explorers Sure Sarcophagus
Contains Mummy of King
Who Ruled 5000 Years Ago
CUT IN SOLID ROCK
Treasures of Precious Stones,
Ivory, and Gold Found; Door
way Sealed by Royal Signet
By international News Service


LUXOR, Egypt, Feb. 1.-THE
interest of the whole world was
swept back 5000 years tonight
to the days Of the ancient Pha-
raohs. Tomorrow will take place
the ceremonial opening of the
inner chamber Of the tomb Of
Tut-Ankh-Amen, in the Valley OF
the Kings, and the hands Of man
will rest upon the sarcophagus
deities for the first time since
they were emplaced by the ancient
priests Of Egypt.
SET IN SOLID ROCK.
Psychologists gathered here are
thrilled by the treasures which they
know rest within this death cham.
Der Of the ancient king. Even the
sight of the sarcophagus, which, II
Is certain. contains the mummified
| body of Tut-Ankh-Amen, has in.
famed their imagination.
1t Is considered probable that the
| most important OF the treasures
within the inner chamber will re.
main Untouched until next autumn.
In event Of this decision the mummy
OF Tut-Ankh-Amen will remain tn.
disturbed throughout the summer.
The inner chamber, it has been
found, is about four feet lower than
the outer and is dug from solid rock
It was meant to be eternal, or until
the spirits of the next world burst
1t asunder. The splendid treasures
it contains are beyond computation
in money.
The ceremonies attending the for
NAL opening Sunday will be impress
sive by their simplicity. Many no
tables have gathered for the event.
Including Queen Elizabeth of Bel
GUM, her son, Prince Leopold; Lord
Allenby. British high commissioners
to Egypt, and Egyptian officials.
Lord Carnarvon, head of the ex'
ploring expedition, and Howard Car
ter, an expert on Egyptology, are in
active charge.
INSCRIPTION UNFINISHED.
1t was found that the mural in
scriptions on the inner chamber OF
the tomb are unfinished, and it is be
lieved by experts to be evidence that
Embellishments death was prena,
ture. Discovery of many elaborate
jewels about the sarcophag1s, I'm.
Guiding e. most remarkable red
scarab, inscribed with the kings
name, leaves little doubt that Tut.
Ankh-Amen's body is within.
The canopy of the outer sarcoph.
agus is so large there il only
ten inches between the sides and
walls. 1t measures four feet high
five feet long and four feet wide
The head and lower end are inlaid
with precious stones and ivory
xx1Ia III {e, an
layer of gold. There are figures
Of Nepthys and Isis on the end.
The canopy has two doors bolted
and sealed with the cartouche OF
Tut-Ankh-Amen, establishing def
nitely for the first time that it is
really Tut-Ankh-Amen's tomb. In.
side the large canopy is another.
Scattered about is a large quantity
of beautiful red and green scarabs.
Near by is a magnificently tall ala.
baster vase, shaped like a chalice
and ornately bordered with the
most delicate alabaster fretwork,
supporting two cups.
On either side of the mouth are
figures of Nepthys and Isis. Close
by are Amulate and statuette of
Horus. The second canopy also is
richly covered with gold, and the
doorway is sealed with the signet
Of Tut-Ankh- Amen.
Over the second canopy Is a black
pail yelling, encrusted with in
Vulnerable golden crescents.
Under the coffin the walls of
the room are inscribed with texts
in hieroglyphics. Inside the room
are two caskets of Nepthys and
Isis, one containing four canopic
vases, the other closed. 1t is be-
lieved the second holds jewels or
papyri.
There are four rich chariots, un-
guent vases and sacred boats, with
canoe paddles.