The curse of the Pharaoh’s tomb

THIS is regarding the article “The curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb” by Fatima Sajid. I would like to clear the fact that in October, 2014 an article published on www.independent.co.uk that told about the ‘virtual autopsy’ of King Tutankhamun. The autopsy composed of more than 2,000 computer scans, was carried out alongside a genetic analysis of Tutankhamun’s family where it was revealed that the king suffered from serious genetic physical impairments.

Professor Albert Zink, head of the Institute for Mummies and Icemen in Italy, said to that he was confident King Tutankhamun did not die as a result of a chariot accident as it was previously perceived because he had partially clubbed foot, so he was unable to stand unaided.

He added that the young royal’s death was most likely caused from being in a weakened state as a result of genetic impairments inherited from his parents.

“On the other hand he suffered from malaria so it is difficult to say whether that may have been a serious factor in the cause of death,” professor Zink said, emphasising there was still more research to be done.

Noman Ahmed, Islamabad

II

“THE curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb” by Fatima Sajid was an enthralling read that provided information on the very controversial topic of superstition. While it can be said that superstitions are just superstitions and cannot be real. This can be proved wrong in many instances because not believing in a superstition is also a superstition.

The death of all the other people related to the discovery (except for Howard Carter), the mark of a wound on the left cheek, the death of the dog and the supposed “power-cut” in Cairo, cannot be justified as mere coincidences.

Whilst, in the case of Howard Carter it is mentioned that, ‘Death will come on swift wings for those who destroy the peace of the king, enter his tomb in his impurity or destroy the inscription.’

Carter may not have done any of these things. It is said he hid the inscription. Who knows he may have protected it, thus being rewarded and left to live on the mercy of providence!

This article provided helpful insight on the myths and mysteries of the tombs of the pharaohs.

Ayesha Sahar Mirza, Karachi