Quiz
Right answer
Wound infection
Explanation
While it was believed for a long time that the pharaoh’s curse was haunting the team who made the discovery, Lord Carnavon fell victim to an unlucky infection caused by a razor cut which killed him in 1923.
Right answer
5398
Explanation
The decade following the discovery of the tomb was also defined by continuous arguments between the Egyptian government and Carter in regards to the attribution of the findings, which in the end remained in Cairo. That is, except for the ones that Carter smuggled back home…
Right answer
He wanted to be closer to the Valley of the Kings
Explanation
He wanted to be closer to the Valley of the Kings. Carter believed, ever since his first expedition in Egypt, that the Valley hid secrets that hadn’t yet been revealed by archaeologists who had been there before him. In hindsight, he wasn’t wrong…
Right answer
Amarna
Explanation
Howard Carter was sent there by professor Newberry to assist archaeologist Sir William Flinders Petrie, who had requested him for drawing sketches of findings the two might have found on the field (as well as for teaching him the job!).
Right answer
Brought a candle with him.
Explanation
Brought a candle with him. Since pharaohs’ tombs were sealed, the air inside of the chambers could become extremely toxic: a simple way to verify if there was any risk of being poisoned was to use a candle to check for oxygen.
Right answer
Gaston Maspero
Explanation
Gaston Maspero. A world-renowned Egyptologist during Carter’s first expeditions, Maspero had discovered so many findings that his research had been quintessential for the creation of the permanent collection of the Cairo museum!
Right answer
Illustrator
Explanation
Professor Newberry had heard about Carter’s ability with pencils and watercolours, and had him recruited to document and draw the private collection of Lord William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst in London, which was full of various Egyptian manufacts of different dynasties.
Right answer
Living symbol of Amon
Explanation
Living symbol of Amon. During the pharaoh’s time the “hidden god”, king of the Egyptian pantheon, was at the centre of a religious monotheistic cult. Amon was the substitute for his predecessor, Aton (whose name inspired the old name of the city of Amarna: Akhetaton).
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Extraordinary! You know so much about Carter that your answers deserve a rightful place in a museum. Beware of thieves and smugglers, though…
It seems you know enough about Carter and Tutankhamon. You should take example from the extremely nit-picky archaeologist, though: next time, try to guess even more correctly!
It seems you don’t remember a lot of details about Carter’s story, but it’s no big issue: if you try taking the quiz again, I’ll take this secret between you and me to the grave. Tutankhamon’s, to be more precise.
Maybe you are being haunted by the pharaoh’s curse, or maybe you are like Carter and sometimes you don’t like to play by the rules. But I am sure you can do much better than this!
