Menu

The Pharaohs' Curse

Some believe that the pharaohs’ curse casts upon any person who disturbs the mummy of an ancient Egyptian person especially if he was a pharaoh that can cause bad luck, illness, or death.

The curse is mainly linked to Tutankhamun as after the discovery of the archeologist Howard Carter to the tomb of Tutankhamun on November 26, 1922, many people who were associated with the discovery had suddenly died and some said that the pharaoh unleashed a powerful curse of death and destruction upon those who disturb him in his tomb. Here are everything need to know about the Pharaohs’ curse:

Is the Curse of King Tut Real?

Is The Curse of King Tut Real - Trips in Egypt

King Tutankhamun has considered one of the most important rulers of ancient Egypt of the eighteenth dynasty and the discovery of his tomb was a very important incident to give a glimpse into the life and death of an Egyptian pharaoh like Tutankhamun. His tomb has always been surrounded with chambers, which contained untold wonders and secrets of ancient Egypt. The mask of Tutankhamun is placed now at the Egyptian Museum. It attracts tourists from all around the world because of its history and beauty, there is a curse, which started with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb as the explorers and archaeologists who entered the tomb began dying untimely and unexplained deaths.

The financier of the expedition, George Herbert, died a few months after a mosquito bite became infected immediately after the discovery of the first step leading down to the tomb on 4 November 1922. Another one called George Gould died after having a fever a month later. About 11 deaths of individuals related to the discovery of Tut’s tomb within the first 10 years of its discovery.

How Did Howard Carter Die?

How Did Howard Carter Die - Trips In Egypt

The archeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter died at the age of 64 because of some complications from Hodgkin’s Disease. His final years were spent in bitterness, having been beaten down by constant squabbles with government officials. He felt that his discovery was overshadowed by the public’s obsession with the idea of the Pharaoh’s curse. So can we say is it the real curse of the Pharaoh?

We have to think very carefully whether all those people died from the curse or from the exposure to toxic fungi as the real reason of death was actually pneumonia supervening. After some research and particular studies, facts have been revealed that some ancient mummies carry mold with two dangerous species including Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus Flavus, which can cause allergic reactions.

Those reactions start from congestion and may end with bleeding in the lungs. Those toxins are very harmful to those who have weakened immune systems. That is not all as some walls of different tombs can be covered with respiratory- assaulting bacteria like Staphylococcus. Inside sealed sarcophagi, some scientists have detected formaldehyde, ammonia gas, and hydrogen sulfide, which cause burning in the eyes & nose and they may even cause death.

Only eight out of the 58 people who opened the tomb died but the others were still alive. Lady Evelyn Herbert, Lord Carnarvon’s daughter was the last survivors of this curse although she was among the first people who entered to discover the tomb. She lived for 57 years and died in 1980.

Victims of King Tut’s Curse

Victims of King Tut's Curse - Trips In Egypt

The tomb was opened on 29 November 1922 and after this date, many unexplained deaths occurred just like:

  1. George Herbert:  5th Earl of Carnarvon”, the financial backer of the excavation team who was present at the tomb’s opening, died on 5 April 1923, 4 months and 4 days after the opening of the tomb after a mosquito bite became infected.
  2. George Jay Gould I: a visitor to the tomb, died in the French Riviera on 16 May 1923 after having a fever following his visit.
  3. Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey: died on 10 July 1923
  4. Colonel Hon: Aubrey Herbert was Carnarvon’s half-brother. He became nearly blind and died from blood poisoning on 26 September 1923.
  5. Sir Archibald Douglas-Reid: was a radiologist, who x-rayed the mummy of Tutankhamun. He died on 15 January 1924 from a mysterious illness.
  6. Sir Lee Stack: Governor-General of Sudan.
  7. A. C. Mace: a member of the excavation team. He died in 1928 because of arsenic poisoning.
  8. Hon. Mervyn Herbert: was the Carnarvon’s half-brother. He died on 26 May 1929, from “malarial pneumonia”.
  9. Captain The Hon. Richard Bethell: was Carter’s personal secretary, died on 15 November 1929 in bed in a Mayfair club, the victim of a suspected smothering.
  10. Richard Luttrell Pilkington Bethell: was the third Baron Westbury, who died on 20 February 1930.
  11. Howard Carter: was the one who was responsible for opening the tomb on 16 February 1923. He died on 2 March 1939 because of some complications from Hodgkin’s disease.

Mysteries of Egypt Between Your Hands

No land around the world is better illustrated than ancient Egypt, the splendors of the ancient Egyptian civilization have been a source of inspiration down through the last ages. So, the best way to discover this civilization is by enjoying one of our unforgettable trips to Egypt & Nile cruises to search for the mysterious life of ancient Egyptians. Don’t miss the chance and explore the charming historic sites which are among the world’s greatest tourist attractions with us:

Great vacation for 4 days in Cairo Egypt accompanied by an e...

Duration

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Availability

Availability

Everyday

An Incredible 5 days Cairo & Alexandria tour package to expl...

Duration

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Availability

Availability

Everyday

Explore Egypt's ancient wonders on a 6 days vacation to Cair...

Duration

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Availability

Availability

Everyday

Breathtaking 7 days Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada holiday to explo...

Duration

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Availability

Availability

Everyday

Share Your Comment

FAQ

What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?

You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

Why book Trips in Egypt?

We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

Show More
Show Less

Company Core Values

Quality

Creativity

Confidence

About Trips In Egypt

Trips In Egypt was founded in 2002 when it launched, since then the company specialized in providing trips in Egypt only which includes tour packages, vacations, Nile cruises, day trips, shore excursions, and any kind of trips in Egypt.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Send Your Feedback

Back to top