The curse of the pharaoh:The deaths that followed Tutankhamun's tomb

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter is one of the most significant and celebrated archaeological finds of the 20th century. The tomb of the young Egyptian pharaoh, largely untouched for over 3,000 years, contained an unparalleled collection of treasures and artifacts, providing a wealth of knowledge about ancient Egypt. However, the tomb's discovery would be forever associated with a mysterious curse—the so-called "Curse of the Pharaoh"—which was said to bring death and misfortune to those who disturbed the tomb.

The curse and its associated deaths have captured the imagination of people worldwide, blending fact with fiction and fueling a host of theories. But how much of the curse is real, and how much is the product of myth, coincidence, and sensationalism? This article will explore the origins of the curse, the deaths that followed the tomb’s discovery, and the theories behind this famous legend.

I. The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

In 1922, Howard Carter and his team made the groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. The tomb, sealed for millennia, was filled with gold, jewels, and artifacts that belonged to the young pharaoh who died around 1323 BC at the age of about 18 or 19. The tomb had been largely untouched by tomb robbers, making it a treasure trove for archaeologists and historians.

Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, there was an eerie atmosphere that surrounded the event. It was reported that a series of strange and mysterious occurrences began to unfold after the tomb was opened—leading to the myth of the curse of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

II. The Origins of the Curse: "Death Shall Come on Swift Wings"

The notion of a curse surrounding Tutankhamun’s tomb began to gain widespread attention in the years following its discovery. The origin of the curse legend can be traced back to a mysterious inscription found near the tomb. The inscription, supposedly placed on the tomb’s door or in nearby areas, was said to warn:

"Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the Pharaoh."

This phrase, which has become iconic in the curse legend, was believed to be a dire warning intended for tomb robbers or anyone who violated the sanctity of the burial site. While no exact inscription matching this phrase has ever been found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, the idea of a curse was amplified by the unusual and tragic deaths that followed the tomb's opening.

III. The Deaths and Incidents: The Myth of the Curse

Several high-profile deaths and misfortunes that followed the opening of the tomb contributed to the belief in the Curse of the Pharaoh. While many of these events were due to natural causes, the sheer number of untimely deaths—especially among those associated with the discovery—seemed to lend credence to the curse for many people.

1. Lord Carnarvon

The most famous death linked to the curse was that of George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the British aristocrat who financed the excavation. Lord Carnarvon was present when Carter first opened the tomb, and it was he who funded the entire expedition. In April 1923, just months after the tomb's discovery, Lord Carnarvon died suddenly from an infection caused by a mosquito bite. The infection became infected, leading to blood poisoning. His death was sensationalized by the media, with some claiming it was a result of the curse.

His death became the focal point of the curse myth, and it was further fueled by the fact that his beloved dog, Pharoah, reportedly howled and then died in a mysterious manner at the same time that Lord Carnarvon passed away.

2. Other Members of the Expedition

Several other members of the team involved in the excavation also faced untimely deaths, adding to the curse narrative:

Sir Bruce Inghram, a friend of Lord Carnarvon, who had also been part of the expedition, suffered a fire at his home shortly after the tomb’s discovery, which caused the destruction of his house. Later, his wife was seriously injured in a car accident.

Howard Carter, the lead archaeologist, escaped death but experienced significant misfortune. While he lived another decade, his health deteriorated, and he faced public criticism. Carter’s relative success in unearthing the tomb, however, didn’t spare him from being surrounded by the aura of the curse.

3. Additional Unexplained Deaths

A number of people who were either directly or indirectly associated with the excavation died under mysterious circumstances:

Arthur Weigall, the Egyptian inspector-general of antiquities, was said to have experienced a series of strange misfortunes, though he lived until 1934. Other individuals involved in the tomb’s excavation reportedly suffered accidents or ill fortune.

Richard Bethell, a member of Carter's staff, died in 1929 under mysterious circumstances. Bethell was found dead in his bed, and although no clear cause of death was determined, some speculated that he fell victim to the curse.

IV. The Role of the Media: Sensationalism and Public Fascination

The idea of a curse was fueled by the media, which seized upon the deaths and incidents surrounding the tomb’s discovery and spread the legend to a wide audience. Newspapers, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, sensationalized the idea of a supernatural curse, capitalizing on the public's fascination with Egyptology, ancient Egypt, and the mysterious allure of Tutankhamun’s treasures.

One of the most famous sources of the curse legend was Maxim Gorky, a Russian author who wrote a highly speculative and sensationalized piece about the tomb’s curse after Lord Carnarvon’s death. The media perpetuated the tale, and by the mid-1920s, it was firmly embedded in popular culture.

V. Skepticism and Rational Explanations

While the deaths of those associated with the tomb’s discovery are often cited as evidence of the curse, many scholars and skeptics argue that these events can be explained by more rational means.

1. A Coincidence of Timing

Many of the deaths occurred several years after the tomb’s discovery, and many of the individuals involved had health issues or were elderly. The most notable death, that of Lord Carnarvon, occurred due to an infection, which was tragically common in the early 20th century. There was no evidence that pointed to anything other than a natural cause of death.

2. The Psychology of the Curse

Psychologists suggest that the idea of a curse is rooted in the human tendency to find patterns in random events, especially when tragedy strikes. The association of death with the opening of the tomb is likely a case of confirmation bias, where people focused on negative events and ignored the many others who associated with the tomb and lived long lives. The curse became a story that people wanted to believe, and as more deaths followed, it seemed to confirm the myth.

3. The Dangers of Tomb Robbery and Ancient Artifacts

Others suggest that the deaths were the result of the dangers inherent in archaeological work. In ancient Egypt, tomb robbers often faced harsh punishment, and disturbing sacred sites could be dangerous for reasons beyond superstition, such as the presence of diseases or environmental hazards in the tombs. The excitement and fervor surrounding Tutankhamun’s discovery may have also led to a more reckless approach to excavation, with unforeseen consequences.

VI. The Legacy of the Curse

The so-called Curse of Tutankhamun continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Whether a product of coincidence, superstition, or media sensationalism, it has become an integral part of the mythology surrounding ancient Egypt and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

While the deaths and misfortunes that followed the opening of the tomb are tragic, they should be viewed with a healthy skepticism. In the end, the curse of Pharaoh Tutankhamun is less about divine retribution and more about the intersection of ancient myth and modern imagination—an enduring story of wonder, mystery, and tragedy that continues to fascinate.