King Tut Day: Tales from the Crypt

On this day that celebrates the discovery of King Tut's tomb, many are wondering about all things "Tut," including the fabled pharaoh's curse.

Let's review. The boy king's tomb was discovered back in 1922 and launched the modern field of Egyptology. In the '70s, the first exhibit of the perfectly preserved mummified remains went on tour in the U.S. Tutmania ensued. Cue "King Tut" song.

Now that Tut is back for another world tour 30 years later, searches on the Web for the ancient Egyptian teen have surged. In the last seven days, "king tut curse" soared over 200%. Lookups on the Web for "king tut," "king tut exhibit," and "history of king tut" have also increased.

Here's the story behind the curse. Rumors abounded after the archeologist who funded the mummy hunt, Lord Carnarvon, died a few short months after viewing the newly discovered tomb. All sorts of theories, none proven, gave rise to a "pharaoh's curse:" certain death for those who dared disturb a tomb.

Of course, many others who had also visited the tomb didn't die, and Carnavorn suffered from bad health. Still, even National Geographic couldn't resist trotting out some scientific explanations: Sealed tombs have often contained toxic bacteria and mold that could cause people with compromised immune systems to get sick. Another theory is that certain toxins were left near the door to punish those who broke into the tomb.

Still, no danger lies in actually seeing the museum exhibit, which is on tour through the end of the year. For a guy who's been dead for 3,000 years, King Tut sure gets around.