Tata,Tut:
A Webquest
by Joan Black, Lee Rietesel, and Kim Warren
Introduction
Ancient Egypt is full of mystery. The Pharoahs,
great Egyptian leaders, were seen as gods, divine representatives on earth
who, through rituals, ensured the continuation of life. After death, they
became immortal, joining the gods in the afterworld.
The Egyptians believed that the body and soul
were important to human existence, in life and in death. Their funeral
practices, such as mummification and burial in tombs, were designed to
assist the dead find their way in the afterworld.
King Tutankhamun, an important Egyptian pharoah
during the eighteenth dynasty, was buried early due to a premature death
at age eighteen. We know little about the life of this mysterious
young king.
Task
You are ancient Egyptians during the reign of
King Tutankhamun, the great pharoah. Sadly, your king has unexpectedly
passed away at the age of eighteen. The task at hand is to prepare
to bury your king. Each of you, in your own way, will be playing
an important role in saying farewell to young King Tut. By preparing
for the king's funeral, you will learn more about Ancient Egypt and the
burial customs.
Process
I. Initial Research:
Each
one of you will assume one of the roles described below. Depending
upon your role, you will need to visit a special web site
(see "Resources").
Roles:
 Mummification
Apprentice: You are a young Egyptian wanting to learn the
custom and methods of physically preparing a king's body for burial. Use
the following questions as a guide:
 |
What are the four steps of mummification? |
|
About how long does the process take? |
|
What interests you the most about your job? |
Trader:
Your travels on the Nile River have enabled you to bring many riches to
the king's tomb.
|
You and King Tut lived near the famous Nile River.
Esplain 3 or more facts about the Nile River you are most proud of. |
|
What is a Carnegie Boat? What does it have
to do with your king? |
|
Because of your extensive trading experiences, what
items might you put in King Tut's tomb to accompany him on his journey
to the afterlife? |
PalaceHistorian:
As the palace historian, you are responsible for recording significant
events in the life of the king. Include the following in your study.
|
What are the dates of Tut's birth and death,
and give three little known fascinating details about this boy king |
|
Who became king after Tut? What do you know about
him? |
|
Take a close look at your king's tomb. Why
do you think it was designed as it was? |
Spiritual
Advisor: As the spiritual advisor to the king, you are required
to compose Tut's funeral rites as they will be recorded in the The Book
of the Dead. Include the following in your record.
|
What effect will the "ka" and the "ba" have on King
Tut's spirit or soul? |
|
What modern day practices are similar to the Egyptian
ritual of Weighing of the Heart? Why? |
|
Choose two (2) gods or goddesses that interest you
and that you feel would be important to have with your king at his funeral.
Tell why each is important. |
II. Final Written Product:
Be
prepared to turn in the notes that you have taken today.
Advice
1. As you research, be sure to take good
notes from the information.
2. Remember your role when you are writing
your final assignment.
Resources
 Site
for the Mummification Apprentice:
Site
for the Trader:
Site
for the Historian:
Sites
for the Spiritual Advisor:
Reflection
Be prepared to discuss
with other members of King Tut's burial council your opinions based on
the knowledge gained from your research on the Internet. Your responses
must be in first person narrative. What new understanding did you get of
the Ancient Egyptian burial customs and practices?
Conclusion
After planning the funeral of King Tut, you should
be familiar with the funeral practices, religious beliefs, and some facts
about the life of the ancient Egyptians, as well as with the life and reign
of the great pharoah, Tut. This project
should motivate you to further explore the mysteries surrounding this fascinating
Egyptian culture as we discover more as a class.
| 