The Curse of the Pharaohs
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The Curse of the Pharaohs
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About this listen
This episode explores the legend of the Curse of the Pharaohs, which became famous after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Shortly after the tomb’s opening, Lord Carnarvon, the expedition’s sponsor, died unexpectedly, fueling rumors of an ancient curse that promised death to anyone who disturbed the pharaoh’s rest.
Newspapers sensationalized the story, linking other deaths and misfortunes of visitors and team members to the curse, even noting strange coincidences like a cobra devouring Carter’s pet canary.
While skeptics argue these were coincidences or the result of exposure to toxic molds and bacteria sealed in the tombs, the story has endured. Ancient Egyptians themselves often inscribed warnings to ward off intruders, reinforcing the aura of danger.
Whether real or imagined, the “curse” transformed Tutankhamun’s discovery into more than archaeology—it became a global legend, blending awe of ancient treasures with fear of supernatural retribution.