10 Ways King Tut Shaped Modern Pop Culture

While King Tutankhamun wasn’t particularly important during his rule in Ancient Egypt, he became one of its most famous figures. Assuming the throne at just 9 years old around 1314 BCE, his reign lasted only a decade before he passed away following numerous health issues. Despite his brief rule, the iconic gold mask of his face has become a global symbol.

The fame of Tutankhamun stems less from his reign than from his tomb’s discovery. In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered Tut’s burial site in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. The tomb was remarkably intact, untouched by grave robbers. This unprecedented find triggered worldwide media frenzy, cementing Tut’s place in pop culture. From movies to music to parodies like Steve Martin’s hit 'Saturday Night Live' song, King Tut has left a lasting impact. Here are more ways King Tut has influenced culture over the past century.

1. 'Old King Tut' had people dancing to the beat.

Few archaeological finds are as captivating as to inspire chart-topping songs, yet that’s exactly what happened with 'Old King Tut' in 1923. The lively tune by Harry Von Tilzer and William Jerome portrayed the Egyptian pharaoh as a smooth talker, complete with a tomb full of 'gold and silver ware' and 'souvenirs.' The song’s success was in sync with the rise of the Charleston dance, making it a favorite on the 1920s dance floors.

2. King Tut gave birth to a horror movie saga.

Unlike other iconic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein, the Mummy didn't originate from literature. Instead, the 1932 Universal Pictures horror film was directly inspired by the real-life discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. After Howard Carter uncovered the pharaoh’s mummy and treasures in 1922, a string of mysterious deaths followed. Lord Carnarvon, who financed the excavation, passed away from a mosquito bite in the same year, while his secretary, Richard Bethell, died under strange circumstances in 1929, possibly even murder.

Rumors of a 'mummy’s curse' arose from strange incidents surrounding the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. This legend served as the foundation for *The Mummy*, starring Boris Karloff, in which a group of archaeologists unwittingly revive a mummified Egyptian priest. Screenwriter John L. Balderston, who had reported on King Tut's tomb discovery as a journalist, used his real-life knowledge to enrich the film's story. The myth of the curse has since inspired not only sequels but also a wide range of spinoffs and reboots, all centered on the concept popularized by Tut's tomb.

3. Flappers adopted Egyptian-inspired fashion.

King Tut became an unlikely trendsetter over 3,000 years after his death. The discovery of his tomb sparked the adoption of Ancient Egyptian style in Western fashion. In the 1920s, American women embraced this iconic look with bold kohl eyeliner, bobbed hair, and jewelry featuring Egyptian motifs. This fashion wave peaked during the Flapper era, but elements of Tut's influence can still be seen in today's fashion industry.

4. Egyptian architecture influenced movie theater designs.

Egyptian-inspired architecture has experienced several revivals throughout history. Howard Carter's groundbreaking discovery in the Valley of the Kings in the 1920s sparked a significant resurgence, this time blending with the art deco movement. Cinemas, booming in popularity during this decade, became a prime location for this Egyptian revival. Numerous 'Egyptian theaters' featuring columns, sphinxes, and other ancient Egyptian designs were built during this time, though only a few remain operational today.

5. Pulp magazines ventured into ancient Egypt.

Howard Carter's expedition was a perfect fit for the adventure pulp magazines of the 1920s and '30s. Stories often took heroes to 'exotic' destinations like Ancient Egypt, where they would face vengeful mummies. True to the myth surrounding King Tut’s discovery, these mummies were usually capable of unleashing deadly curses.

6. Ancient Egypt became a powerful marketing tool.

Many companies jumped on the Tut fever bandwagon in their marketing, even when their products had no connection to Ancient Egypt. Cards featuring the young pharaoh were included in cigarette cartons, and lemons were branded as 'King Tut Brand' (because nothing says 'fresh produce' like a centuries-old mummy). Some entrepreneurs took a more inventive approach, like stage magician Carter The Great, who incorporated Egyptian imagery and elements inspired by Tut’s discovery into his act.

7. Steve Martin performed 'King Tut' on *SNL*.

In the late 1970s, America experienced 'Tutmania 2.0.' The 'Treasures of Tutankhamun' exhibition, showcasing artifacts from the tomb—including the famous gold mask—traveled across the U.S., reigniting a cultural fascination with the ancient ruler. The exhibition was seen by millions, including celebrities like Andy Warhol and Elizabeth Taylor.

The frenzy continued when Steve Martin, dressed in Ancient Egyptian attire, performed 'King Tut' on *Saturday Night Live* in 1978. With lines like 'He gave his life for tourism,' the novelty song humorously parodied the commercialization of the exhibition. However, the song ironically became a massive hit, going platinum. Forty years later, 'King Tut' remains one of *SNL*’s most iconic sketches, even if the original context is lost on teens who now discover it through TikTok clips.

8. King Tut fought Batman.

Technically, Tutankhamun is part of the DC universe—well, at least a Batman villain who believes he’s the reincarnation of the boy king is. King Tut first appeared in the 1966 Adam West-led TV series. While he never achieved the same iconic status as Catwoman or The Joker, he's arguably the most notable villain created specifically for the '60s show rather than the comics. Just don't expect to see him in Matt Reeves’s upcoming Batman film.

9. The candy industry jumped on the Tut craze.

Tutmania eventually reached the candy aisle in the 1980s. Terry's, the makers of the famous foil-wrapped chocolate oranges, introduced a treat called the Pyramint. This mint fondant-filled chocolate treat was shaped like an Egyptian pyramid. Around the same time, kids also enjoyed Tut-inspired Yummy Mummies, a candy similar to Fun Dip, but with candy sticks designed to resemble bandaged mummies (yum!).

10. King Tut's mask became a political symbol.

Beyond being a masterpiece of Ancient Egyptian art, Tutankhamun’s funerary mask is one of the world’s most recognized artifacts. Over the last century, the golden face has been used for far more than just souvenirs. In postcolonial Egypt, the mask became a symbol of cultural pride and independence. It has also been used as a tool for resistance, appearing as graffiti in Cairo during the 2011 revolution. Beyond Egypt, the mask was reclaimed by the African diaspora as a symbol of defiance against colonial powers that once profited from it. The king’s face has graced the cover of the NAACP’s monthly magazine and featured in works by Harlem Renaissance artists. Tutankhamun has experienced a fascinating afterlife, becoming a key cultural symbol even if it arrived long after his death.