Passion or Profession: Ruler

Period: 14th century BC

King Tutankhamen, popularly known as King Tut, became widely known after his treasure-filled tomb was discovered in 1922. At the age of 12, he inherited the throne; then he died unnaturally in his early adulthood. Tutankhamen's tomb greatly increased the world's knowledge of ancient Egyptian art and culture and sparked worldwide interest in all things Egyptian.