The curse of Tutankhamun's tomb: The mysterious truth

According to the legend, the curse was cast on those who had disturbed the Pharaoh's tomb.

Many people involved in the excavation and subsequent research died under mysterious circumstances, leading some to believe that the curse was real.

However, modern science and historical analysis suggest that the curse was nothing more than a myth, a combination of superstition and sensationalism.

The first deaths associated with the curse occurred in 1923 when Lord Carnarvon, an English aristocrat and the financial backer of the excavation, died of an infected mosquito bite.

The media seized upon this news, and the idea of a curse quickly spread.

Other deaths were attributed to the curse, including those of Carter's personal secretary, who died in his bed at a young age, and the radiologist who had taken the X-rays of Tutankhamun's mummy, who died of a mysterious illness.

However, when examined more closely, these deaths can be attributed to natural causes or coincidence.

Lord Carnarvon, for example, had been in poor health before the expedition and had contracted a potentially fatal illness during his travels.

The secretary's death was also attributed to natural causes, and the radiologist had a history of health problems.

In fact, out of the 58 people involved in the discovery and excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb, only eight died within a decade of the discovery.

This is not an unusual number, given the age of those involved and the harsh conditions of the time.

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.

There is no historical evidence to suggest that the ancient Egyptians believed in curses or that they cast them on their tombs.

Instead, they believed in the power of magic and ritual to protect the dead and ensure their journey to the afterlife.

The popular idea of curses emerged during the Victorian era, a time when the supernatural was fashionable and the public was fascinated by stories of ghosts and haunted houses.

The idea of the curse of Tutankhamun's tomb continues to be popular today for several reasons.

Firstly, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. The idea that the tomb was cursed by the ancient Egyptians adds a supernatural element to the story and captures the imagination of people who are fascinated by the unknown and the unexplained.

Secondly, the curse legend has been perpetuated over time through popular culture, including books, films, and television shows.

This has helped to keep the legend alive and has introduced it to new generations of people.

Finally, the deaths of some of the people involved in the excavation, including Lord Carnarvon, have added weight to the idea of the curse.

While these deaths can be attributed to natural causes, they continue to be associated with the curse in popular culture and have contributed to its enduring appeal.