Newly Found Letter Reveals Joy at ‘Tutankhamun Curse’ Creator’s Death

Howard Carter opens King Tutankhamun's mummy coffin in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt in 1922 or 1923

March

/ 2026

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A recently unearthed letter penned by the famed British archaeologist Howard Carter has shed new light on the origins of the "Curse of the Pharaohs," revealing his intense disdain for the man who invented the myth. The private correspondence, which recently sold at a Boston-based auction for $16,643, demonstrates that Carter considered the death of Egyptologist and journalist Arthur Weigall to be a "real blessing," dismissing the infamous curse as a complete fabrication born out of spite.

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 was one of the most significant archaeological events of the 20th century. However, the spectacular find was quickly overshadowed by sensationalist rumors of a deadly curse that allegedly afflicted anyone who disturbed the resting place of the boy king. This newly sold letter, written by Carter in 1934, confirms that the archaeologist firmly believed the curse was the malicious invention of Weigall, a rival reporter who had been excluded from the initial excavation updates.

The Origins of a Modern Myth

The three-page autographed letter, dated January 21, 1934, was written from Luxor, Egypt, and addressed to Helen Ionides, a British art patron. In the correspondence, Carter does not hold back his feelings regarding the recent passing of Arthur Weigall.

“In fact his death is a real blessing,” Carter wrote. “For although he was a clever writer, he was cunning. His inventions had no basis and thus a menace to Archaeology.”

The recently found letter by Howard Carter sold at auction. (RRAuction)

The animosity between Carter and Weigall stemmed from the financial arrangements surrounding the excavation. Lord Carnarvon, the financial backer of the project, had granted The Times of London exclusive access to the tomb's discovery in exchange for £5,000 and a 75 percent share of the profits from the story. This exclusivity agreement infuriated other journalists, including Weigall, who was covering the excavation for the Daily Mail.

Cut off from official updates, Weigall allegedly resorted to creating a sensational narrative to captivate his readers. "The 'Tutankhamun Curse' was his invention," Carter stated plainly in the letter. He explained that the myth was "believed out of pique - a sort of vengeance - towards his loyal friend Lord Carnarvon who, because Weigall came out solely as correspondent of the Daily Mail, was obliged to treat him like the other newspaper correspondents."

A Journalist's Vengeance

Carter's letter also attempts to undermine Weigall's credibility regarding the events of the discovery. The archaeologist claimed that the journalist was not even present at the initial opening of the tomb, stating, "He was the last of the correspondents to arrive, several minutes afterwards." Despite Carter's assertions, Weigall's stories gained immense traction, especially after a series of unfortunate events seemed to validate the curse, and there have been many surreal experiences tied to KV62 over the years.

The most notable incident was the death of Lord Carnarvon just four months after the tomb was opened. Carnarvon died from blood poisoning after accidentally slashing an infected mosquito bite while shaving. Weigall had reportedly witnessed Carnarvon joking before entering the tomb and remarked to a colleague, "If he goes down in that spirit, I give him six weeks to live." When Carnarvon died within that timeframe, the legend of the Pharaoh's curse was firmly cemented in the public consciousness.

Modern science, however, has largely debunked the supernatural elements of these deaths. Medical experts have attributed Carnarvon's demise to a severe streptococcal infection that overwhelmed his already weakened immune system. Other theories have suggested that ancient pathogens, such as the toxic fungus Aspergillus flavus, may have been sealed within the tomb, potentially affecting the health of the excavators. In fact, a scientific explanation for the curse of Tutankhamen's tomb has often focused on these very pathogens. One study even hinted at high radiation levels at some of the pharaoh’s tombs being the cause of the health problems.

The Legacy of the Curse

Despite the scientific explanations and Carter's vehement denials, the myth of the Tutankhamun curse has endured for over a century, inspiring countless books, movies, and cultural phenomena. Carter himself remained entirely skeptical of the curse until his death from lymphoma in 1939 at the age of 64. He dismissed the rumors as "tommy-rot," emphasizing that the true sentiment of an Egyptologist should be one of "respect and awe," rather than "foolish superstitions."

The recent sale of Carter's letter at RR Auction highlights the ongoing fascination with the behind-the-scenes drama of the Tutankhamun discovery. Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, noted that the letter is "unusually direct" in its condemnation of Weigall. The document serves as a fascinating primary source, revealing how one of the most enduring modern myths was manufactured through journalistic rivalry and personal vendettas.

While the treasures of Tutankhamun continue to captivate audiences worldwide, this letter provides a sobering reminder of the human conflicts that often accompany monumental historical discoveries. It underscores the power of the press in shaping public perception and the lasting impact of a sensational story, even when vehemently opposed by the very individuals involved in the events.

Top image: Howard Carter opens King Tutankhamun's mummy coffin in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt in 1922 or 1923. Source: Exclusive to The Times / Public domain

By Gary Manners