For a century, experts have proposed various theories about the untimely deaths of the participants in that fateful expedition. For a long time, it was believed that the cause was the curse of Tutankhamun, which supposedly claimed the lives of anyone who entered the pharaoh’s tomb. This topic has inspired countless literary works and films.
However, researcher Ross Fellowes argues that the true cause of the archaeologists’ tragedy is purely biological. His research suggests that the team fell victim to radiation exposure. He claims that the sources of radiation were located within the hermetically sealed tomb, possibly even intentionally.
The study concluded that the cause was “radiation poisoning from natural elements containing uranium and toxic waste.”
What Ross Fellowes Revealed
On the walls of the surprisingly intact tomb of Tutankhamun, the participants found inscriptions. Ancient texts warned of misfortunes awaiting anyone who opened the sarcophagus. Despite the threats, the scientists proceeded. In the following years, more than 20 researchers met with early deaths.
According to Fellowes’ new theory, the tomb was indeed “cursed,” but not in a supernatural way as previously suggested by Egyptologists; rather, it was “biologically” cursed.
The burial site of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings recorded a very high level of radiation. Over time, those who entered the pyramid succumbed to radiation exposure. In a research report published in the journal Scientific Exploration, the scientist noted that several tombs in Saqqara and Giza also exhibited dangerous radiation levels caused by the radioactive gas radon. Specifically, in the tomb of Osiris in Giza, two basalt chests were identified as sources of strong radioactivity.
Radon gas is an intermediate product of uranium decay with a half-life of 3.8 days.
Thousands of pots excavated beneath the Step Pyramid in the 1960s contained up to 200 tons of unidentified substances yet to be identified.
What Happened to the Expedition Members
Radiation poisoning can lead to certain types of cancer, such as the one that claimed the life of archaeologist Howard Carter. He was the first to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Carter died in 1939, likely from a heart attack after a long battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a disease that affects the immune system.
Lord Carnarvon, who financed the expedition and also examined the tomb, died from blood poisoning five months after its opening. English Egyptologist Arthur Weigall, who also participated in the excavations and later propagated the myth of the pharaoh’s curse, died of cancer at the age of 54.
Other expedition members died prematurely over the years from asphyxiation, stroke, diabetes, heart failure, pneumonia, poisoning, malaria, and X-ray exposure.
A meal in the tomb, attended by J. H. Breasted (who died from X-ray exposure), Harry Burton (who died from diabetes), A. Lucas, A. R. Callender (who died due to health issues), and Arthur Mace (who died from poisoning).
They Made History as Pioneers of a Remarkable Discovery
On November 4, 1922, Carter’s team discovered hidden stairs leading to Tutankhamun’s tomb and spent several months cataloging the antechamber. In February of the following year, the archaeologists opened the burial chamber and uncovered Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The small size of Tutankhamun’s tomb, considering the high status of the pharaoh in Egyptian history, has puzzled experts for many years.
Nonetheless, the tomb is still regarded as one of the most luxurious ever discovered. It was filled with priceless artifacts that accompanied the young pharaoh on his journey to the afterlife. The burial treasure contained 5,000 items, including ritual footwear made of pure gold, statues, games, and figurines of strange animals.
Reconstruction of Tutankhamun’s face and body
What We Know About the Boy Pharaoh
Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled between 1332 and 1323 BC.
He was the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten. According to various researchers, he ascended to the throne at the age of nine or ten. Upon becoming king, he married his half-sister Ankhesenamun. Tutankhamun died around the age of 18 for unknown reasons. Some scientists believe that a hormonal imbalance may have contributed to the young pharaoh’s early death.
Throughout his short life, Tutankhamun faced numerous health issues. According to the most thorough examination of the remains of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, he had uneven teeth, a clubfoot, and hips that resembled those of a girl. The reconstruction of the pharaoh’s face and body revealed the ailments he may have endured.
A “virtual autopsy,” consisting of more than 2,000 computer scans, was conducted alongside a genetic analysis of Tutankhamun’s family. The study confirmed that his parents were siblings. This incestuous relationship likely contributed to the young pharaoh’s health problems.
Instead of racing in chariots, the pharaoh moved around with the aid of a cane. Interestingly, 130 canes were found in his tomb.
According to other theories, Tutankhamun may have been murdered or involved in a chariot accident. Fractures were discovered in his skull and other parts of his skeleton.
Recently, scientists suggested that Tutankhamun might have died from a hereditary disease.