The mystery of the deaths of 22 archaeologists after opening the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun
The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun was said to have a curse when archaeologists opened the tomb and it later affected more than 20 of the archaeologists over a period of several years.
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The mysterious deaths of archaeologists are believed to be related to a deadly curse. |
Pharaoh Tutankhamun, commonly known as "King Tut", was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, who reigned during the New Kingdom.
After discovering the mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, many archaeologists have dedicated their lives to learning more about how this powerful ruler died before the age of 20. However, 22 archaeologists have died mysteriously, which is believed to be related to the curse placed on those who disturb the eternal sleep of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
The curse, which seems to make no distinction between thieves and archaeologists, is said to cause bad luck, illness, or even death.
The 2018 documentary revealed: “When Carter poked a hole into the tomb, Lord Carnarvon asked if he could see anything and Carter replied: “yes, wonderful things”.
Many believe he found a curse written in hieroglyphics on a clay tablet: “Death shall strike off his wings whoever disturbs the peace of Pharaoh.”
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After discovering the mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, many archaeologists have dedicated their lives to learning more about how this powerful ruler died before the age of 20. |
Five months after entering the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, Lord Carnarvon, aged 56, died. At the time of his death, all the lights went out in Cairo.
However, the strange things did not stop there. American millionaire George Jay Gould also died shortly after visiting the mausoleum.
British industrialist Joel Wolfe, one of the first visitors to the tomb, also fell into a coma and died mysteriously.
By 1929, a total of 22 people had died within seven years of exploring Tutankhamun's tomb.
Only two of the original participants are still alive.
Howard Carter refused to believe in any curse and died of natural causes in 1949.
Despite claims of a curse's existence, the documentary offered a more realistic explanation.
There is evidence that the Egyptians had advanced knowledge of poisons and it has been suggested that these were activated during opening times.
In 1949, atomic science professor Louis Bulgerini put forward a theory that the floor of the tomb may have been coated with uranium.
But the most widely accepted theory is that bacteria thrive in closed atmospheres, but this does not account for all the mysterious deaths.
