Urban Legends

The Curse of King Tutankhamun

Origin: Egypt

The Curse of King Tutankhamun, also known as the Pharaoh's Curse, is one of the most famous and enduring urban legends surrounding ancient Egypt. This legend suggests that anyone who disturbs the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun (also known as King Tut) will be cursed and meet an untimely death. The curse gained worldwide attention after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter and the subsequent mysterious deaths of several individuals connected to the excavation.

In November 1922, after years of searching, Howard Carter and his team discovered the nearly intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, Egypt. The tomb was considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century due to its wealth of treasures and the relatively well-preserved condition of the burial site.

King Tutankhamun, who reigned from around 1332 to 1323 BC, was a relatively minor pharaoh in Egypt's history, however, the discovery of his tomb sparked global interest in Egyptology and ancient Egyptian culture.

The idea of the curse emerged shortly after the tomb's opening, particularly following the sudden and mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon, the British aristocrat who had financed the excavation. Carnarvon died in April 1923, just a few months after the tomb was opened, reportedly from a mosquito bite that became infected and led to blood poisoning.

Around the same time, sensationalized media reports began to circulate, suggesting that the tomb was cursed. These stories claimed that an inscription near the tomb warned of a curse against those who dared to disturb the pharaoh's rest. In reality, no such inscription was found at the tomb, but the legend took hold quickly.

The sudden deaths of Lord Carnarvon and a few others who were involved in the excavation or were present during the tomb's opening helped fuel the urban legend. Over the years, numerous books, articles, and films have further propagated the idea of the Pharaoh's Curse, often embellishing details to make the story more dramatic.

One famous (though likely apocryphal) story claimed that Carter's pet canary was eaten by a cobra shortly after the tomb was opened, with the cobra being a symbol of the Egyptian monarchy and further evidence of the curse in action.

Over time, the curse was expanded to include anyone who entered the tomb or had direct contact with King Tut's treasures. Several other individuals who died under unusual or unexpected circumstances, including George Jay Gould (an American financier who visited the tomb and died soon after), were added to the list of "victims."

While the idea of the curse became widely popular, it's important to note that the number of deaths directly associated with the excavation was relatively small, and many of the key figures involved lived for decades after the discovery. Nevertheless, a few deaths became part of the legend:

1. Lord Carnarvon: The most famous victim of the curse, Carnarvon died in 1923, shortly after the tomb's discovery. His death was attributed to an infected mosquito bite, but many claimed it was the work of the curse.

2. George Jay Gould: An American railway executive who visited the tomb, Gould died of a fever shortly after his visit.

3. Arthur Mace: A member of Carter's team, Mace reportedly died of arsenic poisoning in 1928, adding to the legend.

4. Hugh Evelyn-White: Another archaeologist involved in the excavation, Evelyn-White allegedly hanged himself in 1924 and was said to have scrawled "I have succumbed to a curse" before his death.

5. Howard Carter: Ironically, the man who discovered the tomb, Howard Carter, lived for many more years after the excavation. He died of natural causes in 1939, well after the supposed curse should have taken effect.

While the curse makes for an intriguing story, scientists and historians have offered more plausible explanations for the deaths and illnesses that were attributed to the curse:

1. Ancient Toxins: Some have suggested that the tombs of ancient Egypt, which had been sealed for thousands of years, might have contained mold, bacteria, or other pathogens. These could have been stirred up when the tomb was opened, potentially causing illness to those exposed. The theory is that fungi like Aspergillus, which can thrive in tombs, might have affected the respiratory systems of those who entered.

2. Coincidence: Many of the deaths attributed to the curse were not particularly unusual given the period. In the early 20th century, medical knowledge was still limited, and deaths from infections, fevers, and other ailments were relatively common. The fact that so few people connected to the excavation died supports the idea that the curse was more a coincidence than a supernatural phenomenon.

3. Psychological Effects: The legend of the curse might have also had a psychosomatic effect. People who believed in the curse may have experienced stress, anxiety, or even illness due to fear, especially given the dramatic reports in the media at the time. This "self-fulfilling prophecy" could have contributed to some of the health issues among those who believed they were at risk.

Though the scientific community has largely dismissed the curse as a combination of coincidence and media sensationalism, it remains an enduring urban legend. The story taps into the human fascination with death, the afterlife, and the unknown, as well as the allure of ancient civilizations that seem to hold hidden secrets.

Even today, the Curse of the Pharaohs is a frequent topic of discussion in books and documentaries about ancient Egypt, and it continues to inspire stories about cursed artifacts and long-forgotten tombs. For many, the mystery of King Tut's tomb remains tied to the legend of a curse that haunts those who disturb the dead.