Episode 153: The Life, Discovery & Curse of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (aka King Tut)

May 26, 2025

01:08:53

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Before ancient Egypt captivated Hollywood and inspired Art Deco masterpieces, a forgotten boy-king named Tutankhamun lay hidden beneath desert sands for more than three millennia. This week on History For Weirdos, we explore the short but impactful life of King Tut—from ascending the throne at just eight years old to his mysterious and debated death at eighteen. We also dive into the chaotic legacy left by his father’s radical religious experiment, and how this young Pharaoh helped restore Egypt’s ancient traditions.

But Tut’s story doesn’t end in the ancient past. In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron Lord Carnarvon made a groundbreaking discovery, opening Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb and revealing priceless treasures that astonished the world. Yet, amid the global excitement emerged whispers of a deadly "Pharaoh’s Curse"—mysterious deaths, strange coincidences, and sensational headlines followed. Join us as we separate fact from fiction, examine recent scientific theories, and uncover how this discovery sparked “Tutmania,” transforming archaeology, global tourism, and pop culture forever.

Grab your excavation gear, fellow Weirdos, and step into one of history’s greatest mysteries: the discovery and enduring fascination with Pharaoh Tutankhamun!

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Sources for this week:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutankhamun

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tutankhamun

https://www.pbs.org/articles/king-tutankhamun-life-death-family

https://www.biography.com/royalty/king-tut

https://www.ees.ac.uk/resource/tutankhamun.html