Howard Carter, English Archaeologist seen in Historic Images

Howard Carter discovered 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of Kings in 1922. He became an international icon. His impressive discovery opened up knowledge on Ancient Egypt's history.

 

These black and white historic photographs of Howard Carter are exclusive and fascinating. In this article we will pair images with some extraordinary facts/quotes on Carter’s life and interests!

‘As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold - everywhere the glint of gold!’ Howard Carter on his discovery of King Tutankhanum’s tomb. 

 

Howard Carter / © SZ Photo / Scherl / Bridgeman Images

Howard Carter was invited to meet President Coolidge at the White House following his discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb. Carter became known internationally for his wondrous findings!

Howard Carter at the White House to meet President Coolidge, 1924 (b/w photo) / Bridgeman Images

An image of Howard Carter below discovering Tutankhanum’s Tomb alongside George Herbet! 

‘All we have to do is to peel the shrines like an onion, and we will be with the king himself.’ Howard Carter 

Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon discovering Tutankhamen's tomb / Universal History Archive/UIG / Bridgeman Images

The Ancient Egyptians spent time creating hidden underground mausoleums for the Pharaoh. Howard Carter discovered one of the most famous elaborate tombs ever recorded - King Tutankhamun’s on November 26th, 1922!

Discovery of the tomb of pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings (Egypt) : Howard Carter and Arthur Callender in the antechamber at doorway of sepulchral hall, protecting a sentinel statue, november 29, 1923, photo by Harry Burton / © Tallandier / Bridgeman Images

Carter’s archaeological work kept him digging for fourteen years until he discovered King Tut’s tomb! 

The Valley of Kings was a royal burial ground during the period of Egypt’s New Kingdom (1539 - 1075 B.C). The valley contains 63 tombs of different rulers, queens and pharaohs from the kingdom of Egypt. Pharaohs including Seti I and Ramses II are buried there. Howard Carter was in a prime location for the discovery of luxuriously rich tombs. 

Howard Carter (1873-1939), British archaeologist, is on his way to Egypt again. The photo was taken in 1934 at Victoria Station in London. Howard Carter, 1934 / © SZ Photo / Scherl / Bridgeman Images

Howard Carter had long been involved in the business of selling and obtaining Egyptian antiquities.

He was affiliated with a number of major museums and private collectors. 

Howard Carter / © SZ Photo / Bridgeman Images

l-r) Arthur Mace, Richard Bethell, egyptolgist Arthur Callender, Lady Evelyn Herbert, Howard Carter, George Herbert 5th Lord Carnarvon, Alfred Lucas, and photographer Harry Burton in front of the entrance of the tomb of Toutankhamon, in the King valley, in Egypt in december 1922 / © Tallandier / Bridgeman Images

Below Howard Carter is pictured with two Egyptian representatives discussing the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun. 

The British Egyptologist Howard Carter discusses with two Egyptian representatives the excavations of the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt, 1922 (b/w photo) / © Tallandier / Bridgeman Images

The British Egyptologist Callender with the financier Lord Carnarvon and the archeologist Howard Carter on the site of the excavations of the tomb of Toutankhamon in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt in November 1922 / © Tallandier / Bridgeman Images

 

Read about everything you need to know about Howard Carter here or see ten beautiful images showcasing Ancient Egyptian Art

 

 

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