On This Day: Tutankhamun’s Tomb Discovered

On Saturday 4^th November 1922, just 3 days after Howard Carter had resumed his final season searching for Tutankhamun’s tomb, he came across the first step of a sunken staircase. This had been hidden 3.9 metres below the entrance to the tomb of Ramesses VI. Further excavations revealed 12 steps leading down to a block door. This was partially revealed and was seen to have oval seals.

This was potentially an enormous discovery, the pinnacle of Carter’s career, and he immediately informed Lord Carnarvon, his financial sponsor, by telegram. However then followed what must have been an agonising wait for some 18 days while Carnarvon travelled from England to Egypt. On 23rd November Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Lady Evelyn Herbert arrived in Luxor and the excavations could once again begin..