Oxford University Press, 2022
ISBN 978-0-1976-3505-6
Hardback, £21.99.
The present volume is a reminder of how writing (rather than just the theories) about Tutankhamun has in some ways changed quite markedly over time – and in some ways stayed the same. Brier’s book combines both well-worn accounts and presents a digestible overview of recent work on the contents of KV62, arguably the most famous archaeological site in history.
The first section – on the ‘History of the Tomb’ – covers generally well-known ground, including turf into which Brier has already planted the flags of his own theories. Notable here is that the book draws particularly on what is now known about the personalities involved – Howard Carter most of all. We are reminded that archaeology was, and is, highly politicised and motivated by individuals – far from a cool, dispassionate consideration of the past.
Secondly, recent scientific work, focused mainly on investigation of the king’s mummified body, but also on other objects from the tomb (including the worked sarcophagus, metal weaponry and chariots) is presented in a pacey and readable fashion. Much of this research has generally only been accessible in specialist publications. Brier is well-known as ‘Mr Mummy’, and indeed a reassessment of human remains from the tomb receives particular attention, but laudably the author acknowledges where new evidence or interpretation contradicts earlier statements of his own theories – would that every writer was so magnanimous. Woven throughout are some interesting nuggets that even Tutankhamun aficionados are likely to have missed.
