It was only in 1922 that the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter. It was a turning point in history because the tomb had treasures and lay sealed for over 3,000 years. Though shortly after the tomb was discovered, something went wrong. People started talking about a “curse” on the tomb. People believed that the tomb was cursed, and its curse caused damage to anyone who ventured into it.
But is there any substance to the belief? Or can science inform us what happened? Let us explore the curse of Tutankhamun and see if science can explain it.
Who Was Tutankhamun?
Tutankhamun, or the “boy king,” was Egypt’s Pharaoh at 9 years of age. He ruled for about 10 years and died at 19. Little was known about him for decades. His tomb was found in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.
The tomb was filled with gold, jewels, statues, and even the golden mask of Tutankhamun. However, there were stories of a killer curse along with the tomb.
The Curse Begins
When his tomb was opened, several newspapers published that individuals who had participated in the discovery began mysteriously dying. The most renowned was Lord Carnarvon, who sponsored the discovery of the tomb. He passed away a few months after he had visited the tomb. And he had been bitten by a mosquito, and it got infected. Others said that Cairo’s lights went out the moment he died. Others said that his dog howled and died at the same time. Both of these assertions were reported on the front page of newspapers all around the world.
In total, over the years, around 11 people linked to the opening of the tomb passed away unexpectedly. People claimed this was proof that the curse was real. But was it a curse—or just a coincidence?
What Did the Curse Say?
There existed a message that was found in the tomb reading something to the following effect:
Death will come quickly to those who trespass on the king’s sleep.
It became famous as “The Curse of the Pharaoh.” It was thought that the ancient Egyptians employed magic to shield their kings even after death.
But many scientists think that the message could have been added later or misunderstood.
Looking at the Science
Let’s now look at some scientific ideas that may explain what happened.
1. Mold and Bacteria
Over 3,000 years ago, the tomb was closed. It was dark and wet in there—ideal conditions for mold and bacteria growth. When the tomb was opened, spores that existed might have been deadly from poisonous fungi that include Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus flavus. The spores can cause lung infection, especially in people who have weakened immune systems.
Also, bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus may have developed on the organic substances in the tomb, i.e., wood, clothing, or even mummy. When individuals entered the tomb and breathed in, they may have inhaled these toxic organisms and fallen ill or died.
2. Poisonous Gases
A second theory is that deadly gases accumulated within the tomb. Such gases as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and formaldehyde would have seeped from rotting materials over time. Breathing problems, headache, or even death are caused by these gases if one stays long enough in their environment of.
These harmful substances might be the reason why the other individuals got sick following a visit to the tomb.
3. Coincidence and Media Hype
It may be that the legends of curses were just coincidences. Each day, individuals pass away due to infection, accidents, or natural factors. In Tutankhamun’s tomb, there were few of the numerous individuals involved who died under unusual circumstances.
Howard Carter, the discoverer of the tomb, lived longer than 16 years after the discovery. He passed away in his sleep at 64 years of age. Why did it not occur to him that it was a curse?
Most historians think that the concept of a curse became so popular because of the newspapers. The media is crazy about mysterious and frightening stories. The concept of an ancient curse excited people, and it made more newspapers sell. Some even claim the curse story could have been exaggerated bigger than it was.
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What Do Experts Say Today?
The majority of scientists and historians at present accept that there is no curse. They believe the deaths are due to natural causes like infection, aging, or even stress. The scientific reasons, like mold, bacteria, and toxic gases, are more probable than magic.
Also, the ancient Egyptians were very clever, but there is no real evidence that they were able to cast magical curses that still exist thousands of years later.
Why Do People Still Believe?
Although science explains things well, many of us still enjoy the mystique of the curse. That’s because humans are fond of stories. A story about an old curse is thrilling and chilling. It makes us envision a world where magic works.
Also, individuals think that there are supernatural beings and believe that the old civilizations possessed powers that we have no knowledge about. The mystery of the pyramids, mummies, and what happens after death still leaves one guessing.
Conclusion
So was Tutankhamun’s curse true? Most likely, no. There is no strong evidence that a curse murdered anybody. Science provides us with far better answers: poisonous mold, poisonous gases, or plain bad luck. The curse element was intriguing and was used to hawk newspapers, but it pales in comparison to what we’ve learned subsequently.
In spite of all this, the tale of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the curse that has built such a legendary reputation will always be part of the magic and fascination of ancient Egypt. Believing or not in curses, there is one thing certain—Tutankhamun’s tomb has captivated the world for more than 100 years since its discovery the tomb.
