In 1333 BCE, a nine-year-old was crowned king. More than 3,000 years later, the infamous tomb of Tutankhamun would be discovered by American Egyptologist Howard Carter on November 4, 1922.
Later that month, Carter made an incredible discovery. “Explorer Has Just Uncovered Richest of Egypt’s Treasures” noted that not only had a scientific find been unearthed, but one of extreme value. The article in the Boston Sunday Post believed the treasure to be worth a whopping $15 million dollars. That’s close to $250 million in 2021.
As excavation continued over the next few months, anticipation for the opening of the tomb was evident. Newspapers all over the world captured the suspense and excitement with explicit details and incredible photographs.
Explore these headlines of 1923 and live the excitement of King Tut and his tomb opening as it was happening:
“Independent’s Correspondent to See Tomb of Egyptian King, Buried 3,200 Years, Opened”
“Says Other Tombs Held Rubbish Compared with Tutankhamen’s”
“Great Wealth is Found After 3500 Years”
Pharaoh’s Coffin is Discovered”
In April 1923, tragedy struck. Lord Carnarvon, British Egyptologist and financial backer for the search and excavation of Tut’s tomb died. “What Killed Carnarvon – Tut-Ankh-Amen’s Curse?” sheds light on the belief that “a curse of the Pharaohs wreaks dire vengeance upon those who disturb their sleep.” Lord Carnarvon’s death would be one of many that had a link to King Tut’s tomb.
Unheeded by warnings, Howard Carter pushed to unlock Tut’s secrets. “Carter, Unworried by Death Prediction, Pries into the Vital Secret of Tut’s Sarcophagus” shared his determination to figure out the mysteries of the young king.
Eager to unlock more of King Tut, Howard Carter, and Lord Carnarvon’s epic story? Visit NewspaperArchive.com to try a 7-Day Free Trial.
