Carter Letter Reveals Tut Curse Hoax

A recently discovered letter written in January 1934 by archaeologist Howard Carter reveals his strong negative feelings towards Daily Mail journalist Arthur Weigall, whom Carter accused of fabricating the 'Curse of Tutankhamun.' Carter, who along with Lord Carnarvon discovered the pharaoh's tomb in 1922, stated in the letter that Weigall's death was a 'real blessing.'

Carter asserted that Weigall's curse theory had 'no basis' and posed 'a menace to archaeology,' characterizing it as an invention for 'temporary excitement and amusement.' Weigall had theorized about a curse after Lord Carnarvon died from a mosquito bite six weeks after the tomb's opening.

Weigall, an Egyptologist, had been angered by Carter and Carnarvon's exclusive deal with The Times for access to the tomb discovery. His subsequent articles in the Daily Mail promoted the mythical theory, which spread globally, much to Carter's disapproval. The three-page handwritten letter sold at auction in Boston for £12,530.

The unearthed letter also noted the death of the Duchess of Alba from T.B., contrasting it with his sentiments about Weigall. Carter believed Weigall's cunning and fabricated stories were detrimental to serious archaeological pursuits and was unsparing in his criticism of the journalist's inventions. Carter died in 1939.