Tutankhamun Returns to London

Tutankhamun Returns to London: Tutankhamun's MaskLondon is preparing itself for an influx of visitors to see the treasures of the world's most famous pharaoh. In the 1970's Tutankhamun exhibit fascinated millions of people all over the world setting worldwide attendance records. More than 1.7 million people visited the London Tutankhamun Exhibition when it last appeared in the city in 1972. After more than 30 years, Tutankhamun's treasures are due to return to London in November 2007 enabling a further generation the opportunity to view some of the world's greatest artifacts. It will showcase 130 Egyptian treasures, all between 3,000 and 3,500 years old and including 50 from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

British archaeologist Howard Carter, who was excavating for his patron Lord Carnarvon, discovered the surprisingly well-preserved tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 that created a sensation throughout the world. It was the only tomb of its era that had been found intact and full of treasures. This amazing discovery, along with rumours of a mysterious curse, helped make Tutankhamun the most popular of the Egyptian pharaohs in the modern world. It took a decade to catalogue, remove and conserve the thousands of items in the small tomb.

Did you know?

Lord Carnarvon - Howard Carter's sponsor and friend, died from an infected mosquito bite on his cheek. When the gold death mask of Tutankhamun was lifted, he, too, had a lesion on his cheek.

The tomb still contains the pharaoh's remains today although they are hidden from view inside the outermost of three coffins. The two innermost coffins are currently on display at the Cairo Museum in Egypt, while the outermost one still holds the mummy of Tutankhamun and resides in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. As far as historians are aware, Tutankhamun is the only pharaoh still residing in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb itself is very small and appears to have been destined for someone of lesser importance. Tutankhamun's unexpected early death saw the tomb modified very quickly to accommodate the pharaoh.

After discovering the tomb, Carter concluded that it had been broken into twice soon after the pharaoh had been buried. After both break-ins officials of the necropolis resealed the tomb. Fortunately, the tomb robbers did not steal a great amount of the hidden treasures and many of the artifacts buried with Tutankhamun may now be viewed in Cairo's Egyptian Museum with a few of the items in Luxor Museum.

Did you know?

Although the curse of Tutankhamun was made up by the media of the time, there could be some health hazards associated with unwrapping mummies, and today archaeologists wear protective clothing while working.

The Tutankhmun London Exhibition is open from 15 November 2007 until 30 August 2008 and is to be held in the O2, Greenwich London. Opening in July 2007, the O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, is situated on the banks of the River Thames at Millennium Way, Greenwich, London SE10. Tickets for individuals and groups of less than 10 go on sale in September 2007. UK Hotel and Travel Guide can however sell hotel accommodation and exhibition packages prior to general public sales. Parking at the O2 is available for 2,200 cars.

The nearest underground station for the exhibition is North Greenwich which is on the Jubilee line. Canary Wharf is the closest station on the Docklands Light Railway. You will also be able to travel by Thames Clippers O2 which is a high speed boat which departs from central London and stops at London Bridge, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. You will be able to view the London skyline in first class comfort as the boat speeds you to your destination.

Make sure you don't miss the Tutankhamun Exhibition when it visits London, it is going to be one of the greatest events of the century and may never return again.

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