Why the Curse of Tutankhamun Might Be Real

Summary

In November 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, an Egyptian pharaoh, sparking worldwide interest and rumors of a curse. Despite initial skepticism, a series of mysterious deaths following the discovery fueled these rumors. The video explores the curse's origins, suggesting media sensationalism and confirmation bias as the true culprits behind the myth. It also humorously debunks the curse, revealing that of the 58 people present at the tomb's opening, only eight died within 12 years, with Carter himself living to 64. The video concludes by contrasting this with a real 'cursed tomb' story involving a 15th-century Lithuanian king, whose tomb's deadly fungus killed several scientists.

Takeaways

• 🗝️ In November 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of the little-known Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, marking a significant moment in archaeology.
• 🌟 Tutankhamun's tomb was filled with around 5,000 priceless artifacts, including a chariot, figurines, jewelry, weapons, and the mummy itself.
• 🐍 Shortly after the discovery, rumors of a curse began to circulate, with a series of deaths among those involved with the excavation.
• 📰 The media played a role in sensationalizing the curse, with newspapers reporting on a supposed curse inscription in the tomb that was later found to be fabricated.
• 🔍 Despite the curse rumors, many of the deaths could be attributed to natural causes or coincidence, and were likely exaggerated by the press for sensationalism.
• 🧬 The curse of Tutankhamun was likely a myth, with no scientific evidence supporting the supernatural claims, unlike the real curse of Kasamir IV, which was caused by a deadly fungus.
• 🏰 The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was financed by Lord Carnarvon, who died shortly after the tomb's opening, but his death was due to blood poisoning from an infected mosquito bite.
• 🏺 The mummy of Tutankhamun was found with a lesion on its cheek, similar to Lord Carnarvon's mosquito bite, but this was likely a coincidence.
• 💊 Howard Carter, the discoverer of the tomb, lived to the age of 64 and died of Hodgkin's lymphoma, which further discredits the curse theory.
• 🌿 The story of the curse of Tutankhamun serves as a cautionary tale against sensationalism and the importance of critical thinking in the face of unverified claims.

Q & A

Who was Howard Carter and what is he famous for?

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist who is famous for discovering the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.

What is the significance of the year 1922 in the context of the script?

In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, which was a monumental event in the history of archaeology and one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time.

What is the 'curse of Tutankhamun' mentioned in the script?

The 'curse of Tutankhamun' refers to the rumors and legends that arose after the discovery of the tomb, suggesting that a curse was placed on those who disturbed the Pharaoh's resting place, leading to a series of deaths among those involved.

How did Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carter's benefactor, die according to the script?

According to the script, Lord Carnarvon died from blood poisoning caused by an infection that originated from a mosquito bite on his cheek.

What was the role of the press in the spread of the 'curse' rumors?

The press played a significant role in spreading the rumors of the 'curse' by sensationalizing the deaths of those associated with the excavation and inventing a curse that was not actually present in the tomb.

What was the actual cause of the deaths associated with the Tutankhamun excavation, as per the script?

The script suggests that the deaths were due to natural causes or coincidences, and not because of a supernatural curse. Lord Carnarvon's death, for example, was attributed to his already weakened immune system due to a previous car accident.

What is the connection between the script's mention of Downton Abbey and the real-life Highclere Castle?

The script mentions that Highclere Castle, where Lord Carnarvon was the resident, was not the Downton Abbey manor house but was later used as the setting for the popular period drama series Downton Abbey.

What is the script's stance on the existence of curses in historical contexts?

The script suggests skepticism towards the existence of curses, explaining the 'curse of Tutankhamun' as a media-driven myth and providing a rational explanation for the deaths associated with the tomb's discovery.

How does the script address the idea of a curse in the context of King Kazimierz IV's tomb?

The script contrasts the myth of Tutankhamun's curse with the actual deadly fungus (aspergillus flavis) found in King Kazimierz IV's tomb, which caused the premature deaths of several scientists who entered the tomb.

What was the significance of the canary's death in the script's narrative?

The death of Howard Carter's canary, killed by a cobra, was presented as an ominous event that fueled the curse rumors, although the script later dismisses the curse as a media fabrication.