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Archaeologists warned against opening new tomb due to 'mummy curse'

Jonathan Duane
Jonathan Duane

03:30 18 Jul 2018


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Experts say it's not Alexander the Great.

Archaeologists are preparing to open a huge 2000-year-old sarcophagus uncovered at an Egyptian construction site.

The black granite sarcophagus, which is almost three metres long by two metres high, was discovered concealed in a tomb in the city of Alexandria.

It's said to be the largest ever found in the Egyptian city.

However, the find has sparked fears about a 'mummy curse' being unleashed if the stone coffin is opened.

Many people on social media have referenced the film 'The Mummy' as an example of how things can go wrong when people interfere with ancient, sealed tombs.

via GIPHY

Stories of curses relating to ancient Egyptian tombs go back to the 19th century. It's believed a curse is cast upon any person who disturbs the mummy of a pharaoh.

The best known 'curse of the pharaohs' is Tutankhamun's curse. The King's tomb was opened in 1922 and many of archaeologist Howard Carter's team died mysteriously in the months and years after.

However, experts believe the newly unearthed tomb likely belonged to a noble man, not a king.

Phew!


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Egypt History Pharaoh Quirky Sarcophagus Tutankhamun