On November 4, 1922, the sands of Egypt gave up one of the greatest treasures in archaeological history — the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
On November 4, 1922, the sands of Egypt gave up one of the greatest treasures in archaeological history — the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
November 4, 2025
On November 4, 1922, the sands of Egypt gave up one of the greatest treasures in archaeological history — the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Hidden for over 3,000 years beneath the Valley of the Kings, its discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnarvon forever changed the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt and ignited a century-long fascination with the “Boy King.”
Carter had been excavating in the Valley for several years with little success. By 1922, funding was nearly exhausted. Then, in early November, one of Carter’s workers uncovered a staircase hidden beneath debris near the tomb of Ramses VI. After days of careful excavation, Carter reached a sealed doorway bearing the royal cartouches of Tutankhamun, a little-known pharaoh who had ascended the throne at just nine years old and died mysteriously at 18.
On November 26, Carter peered through a small hole in the doorway and famously declared he saw “wonderful things.” What lay beyond was an intact royal burial — a miracle in a valley long plundered by tomb robbers. Inside were over 5,000 artifacts, from gilded chariots and jeweled daggers to delicate papyrus sandals and board games meant to accompany the young king into eternity. Tutankhamun’s tomb was so well-sealed that traces of ancient flowers placed there over 3,000 years ago were still identifiable when it was opened. At the heart of the tomb rested Tutankhamun’s golden sarcophagus and his now-iconic death mask, made of solid gold and inlaid with lapis lazuli, obsidian, and quartz.
When Lord Carnarvon died shortly after entering the tomb, rumors of a “Pharaoh’s curse” spread, adding a layer of myth to an already legendary tale. The archeologist's death plus the importance of the find gave rise to "Tutmania", the global fascination with King Tut. After the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, Egyptian influence quickly swept through art, fashion, and design, inspiring everything from jewelry to cinema.
Newspapers, fashion houses, and filmmakers rushed to capture the spirit of ancient Egypt — Art Deco designs began to feature lotus motifs and hieroglyphic patterns, while jewelry and textiles gleamed with gold and turquoise inspired by Tutankhamun’s treasures. Songs, films, and even stage performances celebrated the “Boy King,” blending fascination with mystery and myth. What began as an archaeological triumph quickly evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
