“When Howard Carter first saw Tutankhamun’s iron dagger, he became so excited that he almost believed that the iron blade might be made of steel.”
—From Iron From Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Fallen from heaven: That’s how the authors of this slim volume describe the incomparable iron artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, which the authors (German and Egyptian museum conservators and an Australian geologist) have studied for more than a decade. Until around 600 BCE, meteorites were the only source of iron in Egypt, making it extremely rare, difficult to work, and fit for
(1332-1323 BCE) and other pharaohs. Unearthed in 1922, his tomb contained 16 iron-tipped chisels, perhaps from a burial rite, while his mummy wrappings held two iron amulets and a gold-handled dagger with a polished iron blade and rock-crystal pommel. Examination of one of the five-centimeter-long miniature headrest found under the king’s neck, revealed it had been repaired in antiquity—a sign of its singularity and importance. This book wears its scientific analysis lightly and boasts stunningly detailed photographs, making for an engaging, informative read.