British Scientist Claims Radiation Poisoning Caused "Curse of the Pharaohs" Deaths

A British scientist has proposed a new theory for the mysterious deaths associated with the opening of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, suggesting that radiation poisoning from uranium and toxic waste deliberately placed in the tomb was cause for the so-called "Curse of the Pharaohs." Ross Fellowes, in a study published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration, claims that exposure to high levels of radiation led to the deaths of over 20 people, including archaeologist Howard Carter, who died of lymphoma in 1939.

Fellowes' research indicates that the radiation levels inside Tutankhamun's tomb were so high that anyone who came into contact with it could have developed fatal radiation sickness and cancer. The study also found unusually high radiation levels documented in other ancient Egyptian tomb ruins, suggesting that the issue was not limited to Tutankhamun's tomb. Fellowes believes that the ancient Egyptians were aware of the toxins, as evidenced by inscriptions warning of "death by a disease that no doctor can diagnose" carved on the tomb walls.

Why this matters: The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb is considered one of the most fascinating finds in Egyptology, providing a glimpse into the Egyptian royalty's afterlife rituals. If proven true, Fellowes' theory would challenge the long-held belief in the supernatural "Curse of the Pharaohs" and shed new light on the ancient Egyptians' understanding of toxic materials.

The mysterious deaths of several excavators, including Lord Carnarvon, who funded the excavation, and Howard Carter, the first person to enter the tomb, have fueled belief in the curse for decades. In total, six out of the 26 people present when the tomb was opened died within a decade from various causes. However, Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass believes the "curse" is more likely due to ancient bacteria that archaeologists were exposed to when entering the sealed tombs, rather than any supernatural phenomenon.

Fellowes' study suggests that the high radiation levels in Tutankhamun's tomb and other ancient Egyptian sites could have led to unusually high incidences of hematopoietic cancers among the ancient Egyptian population. "The study claims, found, reason, behind, deaths was a biological phenomenon rather than a supernatural one, challenging the long-held beliefs about the curse," Fellowes stated in the Journal of Scientific Exploration.

Key Takeaways

• British scientist proposes radiation poisoning caused "Curse of Pharaohs"
• Radiation levels in Tutankhamun's tomb were dangerously high, causing fatal illnesses
• Unusually high radiation levels found in other ancient Egyptian tombs
• Challenges supernatural "Curse of Pharaohs" belief, suggests biological phenomenon
• Study claims radiation exposure led to high cancer rates among ancient Egyptians