The Curse of the Pharaohs: Truth or Myth?

 Tatiana Kkese, B3                                                                                                                             

The Curse of the Pharaohs refers to the belief that any person who disturbs the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian person, especially a pharaoh, is placed under a curse. This curse, which does not differentiate between thieves and well-intentioned archaeologists, may allegedly cause bad luck, illness or death. Since the mid-twentieth century, many authors and documentaries have argued that curses are 'real' in the sense of being caused by scientifically explicable causes such as bacteria or radiation.

The story of the pharaoh’s curse gained steam with the sudden and unexpected death five months later of Lord Carnarvon’s brother.  A handful of other people who either visited the tomb or worked around it also sickened and died, including two workmen and financier George Jay Gould I.

As the years have passed, scoff at the idea of a curse, particularly after compiling a list of the alleged victims of the curse.  If there were a curse, why didn’t either Carter or Carnarvon’s daughter, Evelyn die as well?  Both were present at the opening of the tomb.

But more recently, scientists are starting to believe in the curse --or at least in an explanation for why the series of curse-like coincidences could have happened. 

Fortunately, you can see the treasures of King Tut’s tombalong with several other tombs without risking a curse, bacterial or otherwise! Two exhibitions are in the United States for limited engagements.
If you want to know more, you could watch the film ''Pharaoh's curse'' (1957) And if you are extremely curious you could make an effort to visit them.... but be aware !!!

Source:
http://firefox.org/news/articles/2724/1/The-Curse-of-the-Pharaohs-Truth-Myth-or-Microbiology/Page1.html