Egyptian Museum

King Tut’s chariot has arrived in New York City, its first journey out of Egypt since its creation some 3,000 years ago.

The chariot is one of six discovered in the late king’s tomb in 1922. Although it is not among the more elaborate ceremonial chariots discovered, it is regarded as unique as it’s the only one of the king’s carriage’s that shows signs of wear.

The chariot was scheduled to be included in 2005 tour, but complications delayed its arrival until late Sunday. Zahi Hawass, the general secretary of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, told the New York Times that he continued to seek approval for the chariot’s journey because he felt strongly that it was a crucial element of Tut’s life.

Last week, after being prepped and disassembled in Egypt, the chariot was moved Lufthansa cargo jet to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. But there was one last hitch: Traffic officials classified the ancient chariot as a vehicle, and, as protocol required, demanded a vehicle identification number.

“I’m totally serious,” said the exhibition’s designer in response to the complications, “but we got it cleared up.” Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit, will remain in Manhattan at Discovery Times Square Exposition through January, chariot and all. (via NYT)