The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 sparked one of the most enduring myths in history—the Curse of the Pharaohs. On November 29, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed the nearly intact royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. This groundbreaking discovery captivated the world, but it wasn’t long before whispers of a curse began to surface.
Image Credit: Exhibitions of artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun
The death of Lord Carnarvon, the financial backer of the expedition, on April 5, 1923, became the centerpiece of the curse narrative. Carnarvon succumbed to blood poisoning from an infected mosquito bite, and coincidentally, reports of a curse inscribed in the tomb began to circulate. However, no such curse was ever found. Despite this, the media sensationalized the story, attributing his death—and others linked to the tomb—to supernatural forces.
In reality, the deaths associated with the excavation can be explained by natural causes. Of the 58 individuals who entered the tomb, most lived long and healthy lives. Howard Carter himself dismissed the curse as “tommy-rot” and died of lymphoma in 1939, years after the excavation. Scientific studies suggest that any illnesses experienced by the team were likely due to bacteria, fungi, or pre-existing health conditions rather than a supernatural curse.
The modern concept of the curse can be traced back to the 19th century, but it gained momentum in the 20th century following Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery. Literature and film further sensationalized the idea of ancient curses, often twisting the narrative for dramatic effect. While some ancient Egyptian tombs did contain inscriptions to deter robbers, these were not curses in the supernatural sense.
Interestingly, Howard Carter reported seeing a jackal, reminiscent of Anubis, after opening the tomb, but he did not attribute it to superstition. Lady Evelyn Herbert, Lord Carnarvon’s daughter, was among the first to enter the tomb and lived for many years afterward. The myth persists in popular culture, with films, books, and media continuing to exploit the idea of mummies reviving and seeking revenge.
Ultimately, the Curse of the Pharaohs is more fiction than fact. While the deaths of some individuals linked to the tomb remain tragic, they can be explained by natural causes. The enduring fascination with the curse speaks to the power of storytelling and humanity’s love for mystery. Whether fact or fiction, the Curse of the Pharaohs remains a captivating chapter in the history of ancient Egypt.
References:
Exhibitions of artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun – link
See 1,000 Perfect Replicas of Objects Unearthed From King Tut’s Tomb – link
TUTANKHAMUN – His Tomb and his Treasures – link
Categories: Ancient History, Do you know, Paranormal, Urban Legends
Tags: Ancient Egypt, Curse of the Pharaohs, Howard Carter, Tutankhamun, Urban Myths
Religion: Ancient Egyptian Religion
Country of Origin: Egypt
Topic: Curse of the Pharaohs
Ethnicity: Ancient Egyptian
