The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb

“At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact; re-covered same for your arrival; congratulation.”

When Howard Carter sent these words via telegram to his friend and patron Sir George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon on 6 November 1922, he had yet to fully appreciate the significance of his discovery. After spending more than a decade excavating the Valley of the Kings, it had already been decided that this was to be his last season looking for Egyptian antiquities, and there was no particular indication that this last section might conceal something special. Little did he know that the steps discovered just two days previously would lead to the first intact royal tomb of ancient Egypt: the tomb of Tutankhamun...