Here are five eerie and fascinating facts about ancient Egypt:
1. The Cursed Tomb of King Tutankhamun: The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter is famously associated with a “curse.” Several people involved in the excavation, including Lord Carnarvon, the sponsor of the expedition, died under mysterious circumstances shortly after entering the tomb. Though largely dismissed as coincidence, this sparked worldwide belief in the “Curse of the Pharaohs.”
2. The Plagues of Egypt: The Bible describes ten terrifying plagues that befell Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh, including the Nile turning to blood, swarms of locusts, and the death of every firstborn. While these are religious accounts, some historians and scientists have tried to link the plagues to natural disasters, which may still have devastated the ancient civilization.
3. Mummification Process: The ancient Egyptians had a morbid fascination with death, believing in an afterlife. To preserve the body, they practiced mummification, which involved removing internal organs, drying out the body using natron, and wrapping it in linen. The heart was left inside, as it was believed to be the seat of the soul, while the brain was often discarded.
4. Pharaohs’ Tombs with Deadly Traps: To protect their tombs and treasures from looters, ancient Egyptians often included deadly traps within the burial chambers. Although not as exaggerated as in films, these traps could include false floors that led to deep pits, hidden blades, and secret passageways that could collapse or mislead thieves.
5. The Valley of the Kings’ Unrested Spirits: The Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of those buried there. Legends and local tales recount sightings of ghosts and strange occurrences, particularly around the tombs of the mighty rulers. Some archaeologists and visitors have reported eerie feelings and sounds while exploring the ancient burial site.
These facts add to the mystique and allure of Egypt’s ancient history!