The curse of Tutankhamun's tomb: The mysterious truth

At the centre of the story was a belief that a mystical power punished anyone who opened Tutankhamun’s tomb. 

Although reports claimed that some of the people involved in the dig died early or became very ill, modern experts point out that most deaths blamed on the curse occurred for natural reasons or simply by chance. 

The most famous case linked to the curse took place in April 1923, when George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, died in Cairo. 

The Times newspaper, in particular, published news of his death quite prominently on many of their front pages. 

After that announcement, rumours spread that others had died in strange ways, when some newspapers reported that a 'specialist' member of Carter’s team fell ill soon after leaving Egypt.

However, those claims were not verified, and no clear record shows any radiologist, anatomist or other specialist died from a mysterious illness after they took X‑rays of Tutankhamun’s mummy.

A review of the facts shows that Lord Carnarvon died because a mosquito bite became infected, and he had been very ill when he travelled to Egypt. 

Other supposed curse victims experienced ordinary health problems or accidents unrelated to the tomb opening. 

When it comes to who worked directly with Carter, sources disagree on the exact number, because some estimates say a few dozen people were on site when the burial chamber was first cleared. 

Only a small number of them died within ten years, but the exact figure depends on the account consulted.

The origin of this curse may not, therefore, come from the ancient Egyptians. Instead, it could have a more recent cause.

Specifically, it might have something to do with money.

Lord Carnarvon had a close relationship with The Times newspaper and they held exclusive rights to report on the excavation.

The reports and articles published helped to build up excitement and anticipation around the discovery, making it a major news story around the world.

Lord Carnarvon was said to have been pleased with the coverage in The Times, and the newspaper's reporting was instrumental in turning the discovery into a global sensation.

The exclusive deal between The Times newspaper and the 1922 Tutankhamun excavation may have contributed to the creation and popularization of the idea of a curse surrounding the tomb.

Other newspapers were forced to rely on secondary sources for their coverage, such as interviews with people involved in the excavation or hearsay.

This may have led to some sensationalized reporting, as journalists looked for ways to differentiate their coverage from that of The Times and attract readers.

The idea of a curse may have been particularly appealing to journalists, as it added a dramatic element to the story and helped to explain the deaths of some of the people involved in the excavation.

It is worth noting, however, that not all media outlets reported on the curse, and some were more skeptical of the idea than others.

Ancient Egyptian tombs often carried inscriptions warning grave robbers that they would face divine punishment. 

Whereas those warnings acted more like threats than actual magical curses, Egyptians used spells and rituals to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife. 

Stories of Egyptian tomb curses first appeared in European newspapers and magazines in the late 1800s.

By around 1900, pamphlets and sensational publications shared tales in which mummies took revenge. 

This background existed long before the famous discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. 

Tutankhamun’s tomb was one of the most important archaeological finds of the twentieth century, which meant attaching a curse to the story appealed to people’s interest in the unexplained. 

Over time, books, films and TV programmes kept the legend alive, so new generations heard the story repeatedly. 

Lord Carnarvon’s death, because it had a clear medical cause, added dramatic force to the tale, because that event was simple to connect to the tomb in people’s minds. 

Today, the curse is still fascinating, because it contrasts with the real treasures found in the tomb, and because the mix of archaeology, royal history and sensational tales continues to capture people’s attention.