Mysteries [antikvár]

if w^íSí r Those who 'defile' the tomb of the Egyptian boy king Tutankhamun have suffered misfortune, disease and sudden death. Are they the victims of a three thousand-year-old curse? With trepidation among the watching throng, the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was reopened in the summer of 1991 after being closed for nine months because of a growth of fungus within the ancient vault. As research work was resumed on the tomb at Luxor in southern Egypt, the world wondered whether the amazing seventy-year sequence of bad luck, sickness and death attributed to the legendary curse of the pharaoh would strike yet again. DREADFUL WARNINGS The so-called Curse of Tutankhamun first fascinated the public in the early twenties as plans were laid to reopen the tomb for the first time in three thousand years. The amateur archaeologist, fifty-seven-year-old Lord Carnarvon, was well aware of the curse as he prepared to excavate the fabled, treasure-laden tomb. While still in Britain before the start of his exploration, the fanatical Egyptologist had consulted the celebrated mystic of his day. Count Hamon, who delivered to him this message: 'Lord Carnarvon not to enter tomb. Disobey at his peril. If ignored will suffer sickness. Will not recover. Death will claim him in Egypt.' Carnarvon, however, was intent on continuing the biggest and costliest expedition of his lifetime. His team had worked on the project for years, ever since being granted a concession to excavate the most heavily dug site in the Above: Howard Carter stands above the excavations at the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923. Right: Archaeologists discuss their findings during the excavations. Opposite: Howard Carter kneels before the wonder of Tutankhamun's yellow quartzite sarcophagus. Below: Howard Carter leaves the White House after a meeting with President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. whole of Egypt - the Valley of the Kings. The Earl and his American partner Howard Carter started digging in earnest only in 1917. But during five disappointing seasons they discovered only some alabaster jars inscribed with the names of Rameses II and Meremptah. The partners debated whether to attempt a sixth season's dig and decided to give the project one last try. THE TOMB OF THE BOY KING The one area on the site where Carnarvon and Carter had not attempted a dig was so churned up by past excavations that no one had thought it worthwhile to investigate further. The partners ordered the removal of some disused huts. Carnarvon had returned to England when the first hut was demolished - to reveal beneath it a step cut into the rock. Carnarvon was telephoned, and the excited peer persuaded Carter to reseal the site while he made the three-week journey back to Egypt. The two explorers now embarked on the most nerve-racking week of their lives. By now it was clear that the