Howard Carter

Key Dates

Howard Carter was born on 9 May 1874.

He discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun on 5 November 1922.

He died on 2 March 1939.

Howard Carter (9 May 1874 – 2 March 1939) was an English archaeologist and Egyptologist. He is noted as a primary discoverer of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 (subsequently designated KV62) – by far the best preserved and most intact pharaonic tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings. He is also famous for finding the remains of Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb in Deir el-Bahri in 1903. Both expeditions were funded by aristocratic British explorer George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.

Following his extensive finds, Howard Carter retired from archaeology and became a collector. He visited the United States in 1934, and gave a series of illustrated lectures in New York City which were attended by very large and enthusiastic audiences, sparking Egyptomania in the United States.

He died of lymphoma in Kensington, London, on 2 March 1939 aged 64. His death, so long after the opening of the tomb despite his being the leader of the expedition, is the most common piece of evidence put forward by skeptics to refute the idea of a “Curse of the Pharaohs”, which is said to have plagued the party that violated Tutankhamun's tomb.

Today the life of Carter is relived in several publications, not least two written by Fiona, 8th Countess of Carnarvon, whose husband George Herbert is the great-grandson of the 5th Earl. Carnarvon & Carter chronicles the pair's relationship and their groundbreaking discovery. Egypt at Highclere: The Discovery of Tutankhamun lists many of King Tut's treaures, as well as a beginners' guide to Egyptian culture, art and religion.

Watch a video featuring Lord and Lady Carnarvon, on the discovery of Tutankhamun, here. You can also purchase Fiona Carnarvon's books right here at Heritage Key -

Buy Carnarvon & Carter HERE

Buy Egypt at Highclere: The Discovery of Tutankhamun HERE

 

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