Since the tomb’s discovery in 1922, stories have circulated about a deadly curse that targets anyone who disturbs King Tut’s resting place.

Origins of the Curse Legend

When several individuals connected to the excavation died unexpectedly, newspapers sensationalized the story. The phrase “death shall come on swift wings” (never actually found in the tomb) became popularized.

Scientific Explanations

Modern scholars attribute the deaths to:

Infections from ancient mold spores
Stress and illness unrelated to the tomb
Coincidence

Howard Carter himself the discoverer lived many years after the excavation, undermining the curse theory.

Why the Legend Endures

The idea of ancient Egyptian curses appeals to the imagination. It reinforces the mystery surrounding mummies, tombs, and the afterlife.