The Mummy’s Curse


The magnificent golden treasures found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb caused a worldwide sensation when they were discovered in 1922. The death soon after of Lord Carnarvon, who had paid for the excavations, became almost as famous. People linked the two events, and declared, ‘A mysterious curse killed him!’


Vital statistics


Name: Curse of Tutankhamun Date: 1922 onwards. Place: Valley of the Kings, Egypt. Mystery: Did an ancient curse kill archaeologists who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb? Probable explanation: Lord Carnarvon’s death was a coincidence – the curse was just an exotic, exciting rumour!


You wouldn’t want to know this: Deadly bacteria and poisonous gases are often found in ancient tombs – even today!


How, why, who?


Mighty, mysterious and very, very old, the pyramids in Egypt puzzled people for centuries. Some said aliens built them, or a vanished superhuman race. Actually, Egypt’s farmers built the pyramids, using muscle power and simple tools of stone and copper.


Unlucky treasures


Great wealth made onlookers envious. Sometimes they may have felt like cursing the rich. But many curses were invented – by merchants selling treasures. A story of a mysterious curse won publicity, raised prices, and added a thrill to business deals.


The real reason


There was no curse! Lord Carnarvon had been in poor health for many years. He died from a mosquito bite that became infected, and poisoned him.


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