Besides the pyramids of Giza, Pharaohs and the entire ancient Egyptian ruling system continue to fascinate many people. However, from the many legends that have emerged from this ancient civilization, none is as chilling as the “Curse of the Pharaohs.” This is a curse believed to doom anyone who disturbs the tombs of Egypt’s ancient rulers. But how true is it? Does the curse genuinely work, or is it a product of sensationalism and superstition? Find out here.
The Origin of the Curse of the Pharaohs
Like most other ancient civilizations, Egyptians believed in the sanctity of their burial sites. They wanted to ensure that the eternal resting places, especially their leaders’, remained sacred and untouched. As such, the Egyptians inscribed warnings on the tombs of the pharaohs, hoping to deter intruders and grave robbers. By the way, the Pharaohs were buried with treasures and plenty of other valuable belongings.
An example of such an inscription was found in the tomb of Khentika Ikhekhi, who was popular during Egypt’s Sixth Dynasty. The inscription said: “As for all men who shall enter this my tomb… and end shall be made for him… I shall seize his neck like that of a goose.”
Ancient Egyptians believed that anyone who disturbed the rest of a Pharaoh was cursed and would die of a disease that no doctor could diagnose.
The Opening of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
For the longest time, it was not known whether the curse of the Pharaohs really worked. It’s either ancient Egyptians were too afraid of finding out what would happen if they opened the tombs, or their experiences weren’t documented if they did.
Interestingly, the opening of the Tutankhamun, a lesser-known pharaoh who ruled during the 14th century BCE, gives us an insight on this topic. On February 16, 1923, several centuries later, two people discovered and opened King Tutankhamun’s tomb. One was a British archaeologist, Howard Carter, and the other was his financier and friend, Lord Carnarvon.
Lord Carnarvon unexpectedly died two months after the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb. He had been bitten by a mosquito, forming a wound that became infected, causing blood poisoning and pneumonia. As expected, everyone, including the media, ran the story that the financier had died due to the curse of the Pharaoh. It didn’t take long before the sensational narrative became a source of inspiration for countless films, documentaries, and books.
Other Notable Incidents Linked to the Curse of the Pharaohs
Although the death of Lord Carnarvon after the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb is the most famous case linked with the Curse of the Pharaohs, other incidents have been linked to the legend. They include:
The Death of Arthur Mace
Besides the financier, Lord Carnarvon, other people were present at the opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb; Arthur Mace was one of them. In 1928, about 5 years after the incident, Mace became suddenly ill and died. His demise was quickly attributed to the Curse of the Pharaohs.
George Jay Gould’s Demise
George Jay Gould was a wealthy tourist who visited the tomb of King Tutankhamun after it was opened. Unfortunately, he, too, fell sick and succumbed to pneumonia shortly after. His departure was linked to the Curse of the Pharaohs.
Richard Bethell’s Death
Richard Bethell was Howard Carter’s secretary. In 1929, he mysteriously died, reportedly in his sleep. This incident fueled the perception that perhaps the Curse of the Pharaohs could be extended to people beyond the excavation team.
So, How True Is The Curse of Pharaohs?
Despite the deaths of some members who opened the tomb of King Tutankhamun, we don’t have sufficient evidence/proof that the legend is true. If anything, the leading archeologist, Howard Carter, lived until 1939. He died of natural causes at the age of 64.
Also, now that we have the luxury of scientific development, all the deaths associated with the opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb can be explained. Their misfortunes can be attributed to toxic mold and bacteria that had built up inside the sealed tomb. Those who came in contact with the ancient remains or artifacts were likely to be infected.
Environmental hazards, psychological factors, and statistical coincidence also played a part in fueling the legend. Given the power of suggestion and belief in the curse, it’s possible that those who succumbed to stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic disorders. Media sensationalism did not help the course, either.
Why the Legacy of The Curse Lives On
Regardless of how hard the Curse of the Pharaohs is disapproved, the legend lives on. It is a captivating tale that reminds people of the awe and respect that ancient civilizations continue to command. Its introduction to popular culture, including in films such as 1932’s The Mummy and adventure stories like Indiana Jones, shows that the legend isn’t about to go away. Video games such as Tomb Raider help spread the narrative to younger audiences.
Conclusion
The legend of the Curse of the Pharaohs is fascinating to learn about. However, it’s just that; a legend. It’s not true; it has been debunked by scientific explanations severally. It remains popular even in modern times and has been incorporated into various forms of pop culture.