New documentary explores truth behind 'King Tutankhamun's Curse'

The New Arab Staff
27 October, 2022

National Geographic documentary 'Tut's Toxic Tomb' explores whether science could shed light on the alleged curse, asking whether toxins within the site could play a role.

Tutankhamun's tomb was sealed for more than 3,000 years [Getty]

A new documentary series is attempting uncover answers behind the mysterious deaths linked to the tomb of ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamun,

National Geographic documentary 'Tut's Toxic Tomb' explores whether science could shed light on the alleged curse, asking whether toxins within the site could have something to do with it.

First entered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, the tomb was found to contain more than 5,000 objects, including statues, coffins and weapons sealed inside the site for more than 3,000 years.

The expedition went down in history, securing Carter's legacy and uncovering the tomb's treasures for the world.

Egyptomania: Enough with the West's mummy obsession

Perspectives

Farah Abdessamad

But the boy king's burial site has also long been linked to a 'Pharaohs curse' that is thought to have struck down those who dared to enter.

The financial backer of Carter's expedition, Lord Carnarvon, entered the tomb in early 1923, but died just weeks after from an infection.

Several similar deaths of visitors to the site have fed rumours that an ancient curse may have been activated.