The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter is one of the most famous archaeological finds in history. The young pharaoh, who ruled Egypt during the 18th dynasty from around 1332-1323 BC, had been virtually unknown prior to the discovery of his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The contents of the tomb, including his iconic gold death mask, have captivated the public imagination for decades. However, alongside the excitement and wonder that the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb has generated, there has also been a darker undercurrent of mystery and intrigue surrounding the supposed curse that befell those who were involved in the excavation and study of the tomb. This so-called “Curse of King Tutankhamun” has become a popular myth, perpetuated by speculation and coincidence rather than hard evidence.
The myth of the curse began almost immediately after the tomb was opened. Lord Carnarvon, the British nobleman who financed Carter’s excavation, died only a few months after the tomb was opened, leading to speculation that he had been struck down by the curse. Shortly after Carnarvon’s death, other members of the expedition began to suffer mysterious illnesses and accidents. These supposed curses were further fuelled by reports that the tomb itself was inscribed with a curse warning that “Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the king.”
Despite these ominous warnings, the deaths and misfortunes that were attributed to the curse are largely based on happenstance and coincidence rather than any solid evidence of supernatural intervention. Among those who died shortly after the tomb was opened were Egyptologist James Henry Breasted, who passed away at the age of 81, and radiologist Sir Archibald Douglas Reid, who lived for another 15 years after the excavation of the tomb. Nevertheless, the idea of a curse associated with the tomb of Tutankhamun has persisted, leading to a fascination with the supernatural and mysterious.
The myth of the curse has been perpetuated by popular culture, with countless books, movies, and television shows exploring the supposed supernatural elements of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. In the 1970s, when the treasures from the tomb went on tour to museums around the world, there was widespread speculation about whether the curse would strike again. Despite the absence of any concrete evidence linking the deaths of those associated with the tomb to a curse, the myth continues to capture the public imagination.
In recent years, scientists have sought to dispel the myth of the curse of Tutankhamun. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2002 examined the deaths of those who were present at the opening of the tomb and found that their average life expectancy was actually higher than that of the general population at the time. The study concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that there was a curse associated with the tomb. Similarly, a 2010 study published in the Journal of Archeology found no evidence of toxic mold or other harmful substances that could have caused the deaths attributed to the curse.
Despite these scientific findings, the myth of the curse of King Tutankhamun continues to fascinate and intrigue. The idea of a curse associated with the tomb of a long-dead pharaoh plays into our fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious. The story of Tutankhamun and the supposed curse that befell those who discovered his tomb has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, perpetuating a narrative of danger and mystery surrounding the young pharaoh.
In conclusion, the myth of the curse of King Tutankhamun is just that – a myth. While it is true that several members of the expedition that discovered his tomb died shortly thereafter, there is no solid evidence to suggest that their deaths were caused by a curse. The deaths and misfortunes attributed to the curse are more likely due to coincidence and happenstance rather than any supernatural force. Nevertheless, the myth of the curse continues to capture the public imagination, perpetuated by popular culture and a fascination with the mysterious and unknown. The story of King Tutankhamun and the supposed curse associated with his tomb will likely continue to capture the public’s imagination for years to come, perpetuating an enduring mystery that has captured the world’s attention for nearly a century.
