Mummy Mystery

King Tut ruled ancient Egypt more than 3,300 years ago. He became pharaoh at about 9 years old. He ruled for about a decade until he died of an unknown reason. 

Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. They preserved the bodies of their rulers as mummies. They buried the mummies with items they thought would be needed in the afterlife. This often included gold, dried food, and pets. 

Carter found Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. That’s a burial ground near the Nile River. 

Dozens of other pharaohs were buried in the area. But robbers had broken into many tombs in ancient times to steal their treasures. Had Tut’s hidden tomb been robbed too? 

King Tut ruled ancient Egypt more than 3,300 years ago. He became pharaoh at about 9 years old. He ruled for about a decade until he died. No one knows what caused his death.  

Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. They preserved the bodies of their rulers as mummies. They buried the mummies with gold, dried food, and other items. They thought the dead would need the items in the afterlife. 

Carter found Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. That’s a burial ground. It’s near the Nile River. 

Dozens of other pharaohs were buried there. But robbers had broken into many tombs. They had stolen the treasures inside. Had Tut’s tomb been robbed too? 

Less than five months after entering Tut’s tomb, Lord Carnarvon died. Rumors soon spread that he had been a victim of a curse. According to legend, anyone who entered the tombs of pharaohs would be punished.

Reports that Carnarvon’s dog had died on the same day as Carnarvon led to more fear. In the months and years that followed, several other people who had visited the tomb also died. Many people saw each death as proof of the pharaoh’s curse. 

The pharaoh’s curse is only a myth, of course! Carnarvon actually died from an infected mosquito bite. He was already in poor health, and he couldn’t fight the infection. 

Also, Howard Carter wasn’t affected by any curse. He lived more than 16 years after opening the tomb. Even so, the legend of the curse continues.

Less than five months after entering Tut’s tomb, Lord Carnarvon died. Rumors soon spread that he had been a victim of a curse. According to legend, anyone who entered the tombs of pharaohs would be punished.

Reports said that Carnarvon’s dog had died on the same day as Carnarvon. This led to more fear. Later, several other people who had visited the tomb also died. Many people saw each death as proof of the pharaoh’s curse. 

The pharaoh’s curse is only a myth, of course! Carnarvon actually died from an infected mosquito bite. He was already in poor health. He couldn’t fight the infection. 

Also, Howard Carter wasn’t affected by any curse. He lived more than 16 years after opening the tomb. Even so, the legend of the curse continues.