The curse left by the pharaohs has long intrigued both historians and the general public. Stories and rumors of a powerful curse that befalls anyone who disturbs the tombs and artifacts of ancient Egyptian pharaohs have captured the imagination of people worldwide. While tales of curses are often exaggerated, there is some truth to the belief that there may be consequences for trespassing on sacred ground. The concept of a curse associated with ancient Egyptian pharaohs can be traced back to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 by Howard Carter. Soon after the tomb was opened, a series of unfortunate events occurred, including the mysterious deaths of several people involved in the excavation. These incidents led to speculation that the tomb was cursed and that those who entered it had brought about their own demise.
The oft-quoted curse “Death will come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the king” does not actually appear anywhere in the tomb. There are real ancient Egyptian curses but this was not one. Tutankhamun’s curse stemmed from a media battle for readership.
It was also found in a last-ditch attempt to locate it; Howard Carter had been searching for it for years, and his success made a compelling story of hope, persistence and reward. Only a handful of people who were there at the opening died within the next decade and Howard Carter, who would have been a primary target for a curse, died in 1939, aged 64.
These incidents led to speculation that the tomb was cursed and that those who entered it had brought about their own demise. However, it is essential to recognize that curses were not exclusive to the pharaohs' tombs but were common in ancient Egyptian culture. Egyptians believed in the power of words and rituals, and curses were considered a way to protect sacred places and objects.
Why Tutankhamun’s curse continues to fascinate, 100 years after his discovery
Claire Isabella Gilmour does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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University of Bristol provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.
Howard Carter examining the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. IanDagnall Computing/AlamyThe discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 was a monumental event for archaeology. It was the first largely intact ancient Egyptian royal tomb to be found and hence provided major insights into the burial practices of royalty. It also gave a glimpse of what other undiscovered, lost or robbed tombs of pharaohs might have been like.
Tutankhamun was a relatively minor pharaoh. He died young and did not get the chance to leave a larger legacy, so such a lavish funerary provision for him implied even greater treasures in other tombs of more accomplished pharaohs.
Interest in the burial practices of the ancient Egyptians was well-established, with the deciphering of hieroglyphs in 1822 creating a watershed moment for Egyptology, but the discovery of the tomb built on this and brought ancient Egypt to the masses through media reports.
The discovery came just after the first world war, in a period of deep mourning for the losses in conflict. The story of a young man with a family who had died before his time resonated with many. Tutankhamun was a burst of glorious colour in a dark time, which came with the extra draw of the mysteries of the tomb and eternal life. It was also found in a last-ditch attempt to locate it; Howard Carter had been searching for it for years, and his success made a compelling story of hope, persistence and reward.
It was also a discovery full of mystery and intrigue. An ancient king in a long searched-for tomb full of fascinating objects laden with mystical and primeval meaning. The story captured the public’s imagination and papers at the time capitalised on that interest with a tale of a curse.
Whether in the form of written incantations or verbal condemnations, curses were intended to invoke supernatural forces and keep intruders at bay. Furthermore, the belief in curses was not limited to ancient times but continued to be widespread even in modern times. Several high-profile deaths and accidents that have occurred to people involved in the excavation or subsequent handling of pharaohs' artifacts have added fuel to the myth of the curse. However, it is essential to consider other factors, such as the age and condition of the artifacts, potential exposure to toxic substances, or simply coincidental accidents. In conclusion, the concept of a curse left by the pharaohs is a fascinating one that has captivated the minds of people for decades. While there may be some truth to the notion that disturbances of sacred tombs have consequences, it is crucial to approach the topic with a critical and balanced perspective. Whether a result of ancient beliefs, supernatural forces, or mere coincidence, the curse left by the pharaohs continues to be a subject of intrigue and curiosity..
Reviews for "The Pharaohs' Curse: Ancient Egyptian Magic or Historical Hype?"
1. Lisa - 2 stars: I was really looking forward to reading "The Curse Left by the Pharaohs" as I am a big fan of historical fiction. However, I felt let down by the lack of depth in the characters. They felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, the plot felt predictable and lacked any exciting twists. Overall, I found the novel to be quite mediocre and it did not live up to my expectations.
2. John - 3 stars: While "The Curse Left by the Pharaohs" had the potential to be a thrilling adventure, I found the pacing to be quite slow. The story seemed to drag on, and I often found myself losing interest. Furthermore, the dialogue between the characters felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to believe in their interactions. Although the book had some interesting historical elements, it ultimately fell short in terms of engaging storytelling.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: As a fan of Egyptology, I was excited to read "The Curse Left by the Pharaohs" and delve into the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Unfortunately, the book did not deliver on its promise. The research felt superficial and inaccurate, and I found myself constantly questioning the historical accuracy. The writing style was also lackluster, with uninspired descriptions and repetitive phrases. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of attention to detail and would not recommend this book to fellow history enthusiasts.