Howard Carter

Profession: Archaeologist who Discovered Tutankhamun

Nationality:

Biography: Howard Carter discovered the intact tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922.

From a young age, Carter showed a talent for art. He used this skill in his early work in Egypt, where he copied decorations from tombs. During this time, he worked with some famous Egyptologists, including Flinders Petrie and Édouard Naville.

In 1899, Carter got a job as Inspector of Monuments for Upper Egypt and worked for the Egyptian Antiquities Service. Later he spent many years working for Lord Carnarvon, searching for tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Carter's most important discovery happened in November 1922. After years of searching, he finally found King Tutankhamun's tomb, which was still sealed with its treasure untouched. When Carter first looked inside the tomb and was asked if he could see anything, he famously replied, "Yes, wonderful things!"

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was a major event. It was the best-preserved royal tomb ever found in Egypt. The news spread around the world and caused a wave of interest in ancient Egypt, which became known as "Tutmania." Carter became internationally famous afterwards.

After opening the tomb, Carter spent almost ten years carefully recording and removing the more than 5,000 objects that were inside. Once this job was finished, he retired from archaeology.

Carter was known for being bad-tempered and difficult to work with. In his later life, he lived a fairly lonely existence until his death.

Born: May 9, 1873
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: March 2, 1939 (aged 65)
Cause of Death: Hodgkin's lymphoma