Wonderful Things

Abstract After years of searching for Tutankhamun’s tomb, Carter and Carnarvon finally found it and began to excavate. This chapter discusses the sensation the discovery created and also how Carter and Carnarvon conducted the excavation. Carter formed an all-star team of conservators, translators, draftsmen, and engineers, and he engaged the superb photographer Harry Burton to record every aspect of the expedition in detail. This chapter also reveals that Carter and Carnarvon broke into the Burial Chamber without telling the authorities. It also describes some of the treasures in the tomb, such as the Gold Throne and Gold Shrine, and what they revealed about Tutankhamun’s life. Unfortunately, just when the two excavators should have been at their happiest, tragedy struck and Carnarvon died of an infected mosquito bite. The chapter ends with Carter left alone to direct the expedition and deal with the authorities.