GOLDEN DIADEM OF TUTANKHAMUN 1332 BCE
King Tutankhamun’s diadem was found on his mummified head following the excavation of his tomb. Known as a cap crown, it held a linen skullcap on his head, which had decayed by the time the tomb was opened. Made from a band of gold, it is decorated with small discs of carnelian, a semi-precious stone, which are edged with blue lapis lazuli and turquoise.
The diadem also features a vulture, representing the goddess Wadjet, and a cobra for the goddess Nekhbet, who protected Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt respectively. The diadem therefore signifies the unification of Egypt and Tutankhamun’s status as ruler.