The Discovery of the Tomb "As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room slowly emerged from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold - everywhere the glint of gold." - Howard Carter (1874-1939) Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered by British archaeologist, Howard Carter on 4 November 1922. One of the most spectacular discoveries of its kind in history, Tutankhamun's appeal remains undiminished today. For the first time since 1977, treasures from the tomb go on display in London. Find out What You'll See at Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. The Forgotten PharaohTutankhamun's tomb was completed in a hurry, due to his premature death. It is significantly smaller than contemporary pharaonic tombs. However, unlike these other tombs, the location of Tutankhamun's resting place was lost, protecting it from robbers. Even Tutankhamun's name was largely forgotten… Raided in AntiquityTutankhamun's tomb was raided at least twice in antiquity but comparatively little was taken and the tomb was resealed. Soon afterwards, the entrance was buried, probably by debris from subsequent tombs. Howard Carter and Lord CarnavonIn 1890, at the age of just 16, Howard Carter arrived in Egypt and began copying inscriptions and paintings at ancient sites. From 1899 to 1905, he worked for the Egyptian Antiquities Service. Carter met Lord Carnarvon in 1907, and was soon overseeing excavations for this new patron. It was Carter who identified the lost king Tutankhamun, prompting the search for his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Months of fruitless excavations followed. By 1922 time was running out – it was Carter's last chance for success before the money dried up. The Discovery On 4 November 1922, Carter's team uncovered a staircase which led to sealed door. Carter peered inside and saw a corridor blocked with rubble. He telegrammed Lord Carnarvon and on 26 November they entered the tomb together. Famously Carnarvon asked, "Can you see anything?" and Carter answered, "Yes, wonderful things." The Curse of TutankhamunIt is an enduring myth that a curse blighted those involved with the opening of the Tutankhamun's tomb. The myth was probably sparked by Lord Carnarvon's death from blood poisoning in April 1923. In fact, statistical studies have shown that there was no curse affecting those present at the tomb opening. Howard Carter himself lived on until 1939, when he died aged at the relatively ripe old age of 64!
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