Howard Carter

Date of Birth: May 9, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 2, 1939

Biography

Howard Carter was an eminent British archaeologist and Egyptologist, best known for discovering the intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in November 1922. Born into a middle-class family, Carter displayed an early talent for drawing, which led him to work as a tracer for the Egyptian Exploration Fund when he was just 17. His meticulous nature and passion for Egyptology earned him a reputation as a dedicated and skilled archaeologist. Carter first visited Egypt in 1891, where he participated in various excavations, notably at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari. His career took a significant turn when he partnered with Lord Carnarvon, who financed his search for the tomb of Tutankhamun. After years of fruitless searching, Carter’s persistence paid off when he discovered the tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This discovery was hailed as the most significant archaeological find of the 20th century, providing unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. Carter’s work extended beyond the discovery, as he meticulously catalogued and preserved the tomb’s contents over the subsequent years. His contributions to Egyptology have had a lasting impact, influencing generations of archaeologists and historians. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the infamous “curse of the pharaohs,” Carter remained dedicated to his work until his death in 1939.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard Carter

1. Howard Carter initially worked as an artist, documenting Egyptian tombs and artifacts through detailed drawings.

2. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb included over 5,000 artifacts, many of which are considered priceless.

3. Carter spent nearly a decade excavating and cataloguing the contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

4. He faced financial difficulties and professional criticism throughout his career but remained steadfast in his passion for Egyptology.

5. Despite the legend of the “curse of the pharaohs,” Carter himself lived for 17 years after the tomb’s discovery, debunking many of the myths surrounding the curse.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Carter

1. “With such evidence before us, we could not hesitate to enter.”

2. “It was a sight surpassing all precedent, and one we never dreamed of seeing.”

3. “The tomb is a magnificent untouched relic of antiquity.”

4. “I see wonderful things.”

5. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Howard Carter’s net worth at the peak of his career was modest compared to modern standards, but his contributions to archaeology were invaluable. His financial status was largely dependent on the funding from his patron, Lord Carnarvon.