The curse of the tomb lore is a popular concept in mythology and folklore, especially in ancient Egypt. According to legend, those who disturb the resting place of a pharaoh or other important figure may incur a curse, resulting in misfortune, illness, or even death. The belief in curses associated with tombs and burial sites dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and took great care in preparing their deceased loved ones for the afterlife. They believed that desecrating a tomb or disturbing the peace of the dead would invite the wrath of the gods and lead to dire consequences. In modern times, the idea of the curse of the tomb lore has captivated the imaginations of explorers, archaeologists, and adventure seekers.
The discovery created a worldwide press sensation and stories spread about a curse on anyone who dared to break into a pharaoh’s tomb. The Times in London and New York World magazine published the best-selling novelist Marie Corelli’s speculations that ‘the most dire punishment follows any rash intruder into a sealed tomb’. It was not long before Lord Carnarvon died in Cairo aged 56 and the lights in the city went out, which set off a frenzy of speculation. Arthur Conan Doyle told the American press that ‘an evil elemental’ spirit created by priests to protect the mummy could have caused Carnarvon’s death.
Late in 1922 the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died in 1323 BC aged about 18, in the Valley of the Kings, across the Nile from Luxor in Egypt. Carter himself angrily dismissed the whole curse idea as tommy rot , but when he died solitary and miserably unhappy of Hodgkin s disease in his London flat in March 1939 at the age of 64, the story of the mummy s curse sprang back to life in his obituaries and it has persisted to this day.
In modern times, the idea of the curse of the tomb lore has captivated the imaginations of explorers, archaeologists, and adventure seekers. Stories of mysterious deaths, freak accidents, and unexplained phenomena surrounding famous tombs and archaeological discoveries have only added to the allure. One of the most famous examples of the curse of the tomb lore is the story of King Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut.
Tutankhamun’s Curse?
The archaeologist Howard Carter died on 2 March 1939.
Richard Cavendish | Published in History Today Volume 64 Issue 3 March 2014Late in 1922 the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died in 1323 BC aged about 18, in the Valley of the Kings, across the Nile from Luxor in Egypt. Pharaohs had been buried there from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC. Most of the tombs had been plundered from early times and Tutankhamun’s was the first to be found almost entirely undisturbed. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, a keen amateur Egyptologist who was financing the project, joined Carter and his team to enter the burial chambers, where they found the young pharaoh’s mummified body and a wealth of religious objects, wall paintings and inscriptions as well as equipment he would need in the afterlife.
The discovery created a worldwide press sensation and stories spread about a curse on anyone who dared to break into a pharaoh’s tomb. The Times in London and New York World magazine published the best-selling novelist Marie Corelli’s speculations that ‘the most dire punishment follows any rash intruder into a sealed tomb’. It was not long before Lord Carnarvon died in Cairo aged 56 and the lights in the city went out, which set off a frenzy of speculation. Arthur Conan Doyle told the American press that ‘an evil elemental’ spirit created by priests to protect the mummy could have caused Carnarvon’s death.
No curse had actually been found in the tomb, but deaths in succeeding years of various members of Carter’s team and real or supposed visitors to the site kept the story alive, especially in cases of death by violence or in odd circumstances. Alleged victims of the curse included Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey of Egypt, shot dead by his wife in 1923; Sir Archibald Douglas Reid, who supposedly X-rayed the mummy and died mysteriously in 1924; Sir Lee Stack, the governor-general of the Sudan, who was assassinated in Cairo in 1924; Arthur Mace of Carter’s excavation team, said to have died of arsenic poisoning in 1928; Carter’s secretary Richard Bethell, who supposedly died smothered in his bed in 1929; and his father, who committed suicide in 1930.
Most people who worked in or visited the tomb lived long lives, but this did not undermine belief in the curse by those who wanted to believe it. Carter himself angrily dismissed the whole curse idea as ‘tommy rot’, but when he died solitary and miserably unhappy of Hodgkin’s disease in his London flat in March 1939 at the age of 64, the story of the mummy’s curse sprang back to life in his obituaries and it has persisted to this day.
"Howard Carter with Tutankhamen's coffin" (1922)LIFE Photo Collection
When the ancient Egyptian boy king's tomb was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, rumors of a curse began to circulate. Some of the people involved in the excavation and examination of the tomb's contents reportedly experienced strange, untimely deaths or suffered from mysterious illnesses. While these stories may be more rooted in superstition than reality, they have undoubtedly impacted the way people view and approach tombs and ancient burial sites. Many archaeologists and researchers take precautions when exploring or excavating such places, not only out of respect for the dead but also to avoid any perceived curses. In conclusion, the curse of the tomb lore is a fascinating aspect of mythology and folklore. Whether purely superstition or based on genuine historical events, it has become entrenched in popular culture and continues to captivate the imaginations of people around the world. However, it is important to approach these stories with skepticism and a respect for the ancient cultures and beliefs that they originate from..
Reviews for "The Price of Greed: The Curse of the Tomb of Loe"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Curse of the Tomb Love". The story was confusing and hard to follow, with poorly developed characters. The acting felt stiff and forced, and I didn't feel any connection to the main characters. The special effects were lackluster, and the overall pacing of the movie was off. It had potential, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Curse of the Tomb Love" was a complete waste of time. The plot was nonsensical and had no clear direction. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and full of unnecessary clichés. The acting was wooden and uninspiring, with no emotional depth from the cast. The movie relied too heavily on jump scares and cheap thrills, without any real substance. I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Curse of the Tomb Love" but was ultimately let down. The storyline was convoluted and hard to follow, with random twists that didn't add anything to the plot. The character development was lacking, and I couldn't connect with any of the protagonists. The scares were predictable and didn't leave a lasting impression. Overall, it was a forgettable horror movie that failed to deliver.
4. David - 2/5 stars - "Curse of the Tomb Love" was a disappointment. The premise had potential, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom and sudden bursts of action that were hard to follow. The scares were formulaic and lacked creativity. The acting was subpar, and I didn't feel invested in the characters. Overall, it failed to deliver the thrills and chills I was expecting.
5. Jennifer - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how much I disliked "Curse of the Tomb Love". The plot was confusing and made no sense, with plot holes and inconsistencies throughout. The acting was laughable, with cheesy dialogue and over-the-top performances. The jumpscares were predictable and added nothing to the story. It was a complete waste of time and money, and I would advise anyone to avoid this movie at all costs.