Howard Carter
Feb 1st, 2007 by Lee (admin)
Howard Carter was born in Norfolk in England, in 1874. He initially begun his career painting landscapes, just like his father, Samuel Carter. However, Howard Carter had other ideas for his future - he wished to become an archaeologist.
In 1871 he gained employment as a tracer in Alexandria, Egypt, working for the Egyptian Exploration Fund. Here, Carter was noted as being both skilful and hardworking and soon he gained the opportunity to move into the archaeological field he so desired.
He found himself working with Flinders Petrie, a notable archaelogist himself. As the Principle Artist to the Egyptian Exploration Fund, Carter found himself working at Dier el Babri, the burial site of Queen Hatshepsut. Whilst his role primarily involved drawing, he also picked up handy tips and techniques about excavating and exploration.
In 1899, whilst still only 25, Carter became Inspector General of Monuments in Upper Egypt, a position he would hold for 6 years. He later resigned when he was redeployed to Tanta, a town with very little historical significance.
In 1908 Carter returned to archaeology in partnership with Lord Canarvon, who’s patronage would be responsible for the greatest find in history. Carter made some great finds and his backer was happy with the antiquities he gained for his private collection. However, Carter was not satisifed. He knew there was at least one undiscovered tomb in the Valley of The Kings - one that belonged to a very insignificant King called Tutankhamon.
By 1922 Lord Canarvon had just about lost hope that Carter could find this tomb with which he seemed obsessed and so made it known that that would be the last season he would sponsor. On November 1st, 1922 Carter found the entrance to the tomb.
It took 25 days to clear the staircase and open the tomb but the wait was worth it - this was the first and only tomb to seem completely intact with all it’s wondrous treasures. In fact it would take Carter and his team some 10 years to catalogue and remove all the items, most of which can now be found in the Cairo museum.
In 1939 Howard Carter returned to England where he later died of natural causes at the age of 65. Others present at the opening of King Tut’s tomb have been said to have died from less than natural causes - the infamous “Curse of King Tut”. There’s also speculation that Carter entered the tomb well in advance of it’s official opening and stole the choice items. These points, however, are for discussion at a later date….
[...] is, until, in November 1922, Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered by Howard Carter who was excavating on behalf of his patron Lord [...]