Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, who reigned from around 1332 to 1323 BCE. He ascended to the throne at a young age and is best known for his richly furnished tomb, discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter, which provided significant insights into ancient Egyptian culture and burial practices. Despite his short reign and relatively minor political accomplishments, Tutankhamun became an iconic figure in modern history due to the treasures found in his tomb and the intrigue surrounding his life and death.