Unveiling History: Howard Carter and the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Howard Carter (9 May 1874 – 2 March 1939) was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist best known for discovering the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922.
Life and Career
Carter was born on 9 May 1874, in Kensington, London. His father Samuel Carter was a successful artist. Howard was a sickly child and was sent to live with his aunts in Norfolk. He had private home schooling and had an artistic streak from an early age.
At age 17, Carter joined the British-sponsored archaeological survey of Egypt. He made drawings (1893–99) of the sculptures and inscriptions at the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut in ancient Thebes. He next served as inspector general of the Egyptian antiquities department. While supervising excavations in the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings in 1902, he discovered the tombs of Hatshepsut and Thutmose IV.
In 1907, Carter began his association with the 5th earl of Carnarvon, a collector of antiquities who had sought out Carter to supervise excavations in the valley. On November 4, 1922, Carter found the first sign of what proved to be Tutankhamun’s tomb, but it was not until November 26 that a second sealed doorway was reached, behind which were the treasures.
After the clearance of the tomb had been completed in 1932 Carter retired from excavation work. He continued to live in his house near Luxor in winter and retained a flat in London but, as interest in Tutankhamun declined, he lived a fairly isolated existence with few close friends.
Carter died on 2 March 1939, in London at the age of 64.
Award and Legacy
On 9 May 2012, Google celebrated Howard Carter’s 138th Birthday with a doodle.
What are some famous quotes by Howard Carter
Here are some quotes attributed to Howard Carter:
- “It soon became obvious that we were but on the threshold of the discovery” 1
- “All we have to do is to peel the shrines like an onion, and we will be with the king himself”
- “The news of the discovery spread fast all over the country, and inquisitive inquiries mingled with congratulations from this moment became the daily programme”
- “We were astonished by the beauty and refinement of the art displayed by the objects surpassing all we could have imagined – the impression was overwhelming”
FAQ on Howard Carter
Howard Carter is famous for discovering the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922.
Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, in 1922. The tomb contained a wealth of treasures and is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Howard Carter was an archaeologist and Egyptologist who worked in Egypt for over 30 years. He is best known for his discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
Howard Carter died on March 2, 1939, in London, England.
Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. His meticulous approach to excavation and documentation set a standard for archaeological practice that is still followed today, and his work continues to inspire archaeologists and historians around the world.
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