Howard Carter biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Howard Carter was born on May 9, 1874, in Kensington, London. His father Samuel Carter was a successful artist. Howard was a sickly child, and was sent to live with his aunts in Norfolk. He had private home schooling, and had an artistic streak from an early age. When his father painted a portrait of a well-known Egyptologist, the young Howard's interest was sparked.

The British had occupied Egypt in the late 19th centry. This period saw an increased European interest in Egyptology, the study of ancient Egypt. Many prominent British scientists and archaeologists were active in excavating ancient sites.

Archaeology

Through his father's connections, Howard Carter found a job working for an archaeologist who needed an artist to draw his findings. Howard headed to Egypt in 1891, at the age of 17, where he was to work on the Egypt Exploration Fund's excavation of the Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hassan. For the next several years, Carter worked under different archaeologists at sits including Amarna, Deir el Babri, Thebes, Edfu and Abu Simbel. Carter earned praise for using innovative and modern new methods to draw wall reliefs and other findings.

In 1907, Carter was hired by wealthy English aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who was fascinated by Egyptology. With Carnarvon's backing, Carter led the excavation of Egyptian nobles' tombs. In 1914, Carnarvon received a license to dig at KV62, the site where it was believed the tomb of King Tutankhamun rest. Carnarvon gave the job to Howard Carter. Carter hired a crew of workers to help find the tomb, which was believed to be at a site in the Valley of the Kings designated KV62.

Discovery of King Tut's Tomb

After a few weeks of digging, a boy who worked as a water fetcher on the excavation started to dig in the sand with a stick. He found a stone step, and called Carter over. Carter's crew found a flight of steps that led down to a sealed door, and a secret chamber. On November 6, 1922, Carter and Lord Carnrvon entered the tomb, where they found an immense collection of gold and treasures. On February 16, 1923, Carter opened the innermost chamber and found the sarcophagus of King Tut.

The discovery made a huge impact. King Tut's tomb was by far the most intact of all the tombs that were excavated, and artifacts were well-preserved, including the sarcophagus and Tut's mummy. An interest in ancient Egypt and Egyptology was sparked around the world, largely in thanks to the uncovered tomb of Tutankhamun.

Later Years

The immense wealth of artifacts and treasures found in King Tut's tomb took decades to excavate. Howard Carter remained in Egypt, working on the site, until the excavation was completed in 1932.  Carter returned to London and spent his later years working as a collector for various museums. He toured the United States, giving lectures about Egypt and King Tut, and contributing to Americans’ interest in ancient Egypt.