Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb, The

The search for Tutankhamun’s tomb was one of the most ambitious archaeological pursuits of the early 20th century. For years, Egyptologists and explorers had scoured the Valley of the Kings, believing that the burial site of the young pharaoh remained hidden beneath the desert sands. Despite previous excavations yielding little success, one man remained convinced that the tomb had yet to be discovered. Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, had spent decades working in Egypt, developing an unmatched expertise in excavation. His belief in the existence of Tutankhamun’s tomb was fueled by fragments of artifacts bearing the young pharaoh’s name, suggesting that his final resting place was still untouched. However, funding such an extensive search required a patron, and it was Lord Carnarvon, a wealthy British aristocrat, who provided the financial backing. In 1917, Carter’s systematic excavation of the Valley of the Kings began, but after several years of fruitless digging, Carnarvon grew impatient. By 1922, with resources nearly depleted, Carter convinced Carnarvon to allow him one final season of excavation. It was in November of that year that Carter’s persistence paid off. While investigating an area near the tomb of Ramses VI, workers uncovered a set of steps leading down into the earth. Clearing away the debris, Carter discovered a sealed doorway marked with the insignia of Tutankhamun. Excitement and caution filled the air as he realized that the tomb had remained undisturbed for centuries.