National Geographic Channel investigates a 3000-year old murder mystery

Media release, May 13 2005

New Delhi,

The legendary King Tutankhamun has been an object of fascination since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. His mysterious demise and the rumored “curse” on those involved with the discovery have been a source of intrigue worldwide. Now, in an exclusive world premiere, National Geographic Channel reveals startling new findings related to the boy king.

Premiering May 15, 2005 at 9 pm on National Geographic Channel, King Tut’s Curse follows leading archeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass and a team of international scientists— radiologists, epidemiologists and forensic pathologists—as they examine King Tut in search of what caused his death over 3,000 years ago.

For the first time in more than 25 years, the mummy is removed from its sarcophagus for a detailed forensic investigation—this time using revolutionary CT-scan imaging. “CT technology enables us to virtually ‘unwrap’ the mummies without damaging them,” explains Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The CT scan, donated by Siemens Medical Solutions, takes multiple high-resolution 3-D images, giving both scientists and viewers the chance to look inside King Tut’s mummy. This modern-day technology allows scientists to take 1, 700 images of King Tut’s mummy, including cross-section views of his bones, skull and teeth.

The scanning of King Tut's mummy is part of a landmark, five-year Egyptian research and conservation project. Partially funded by the National Geographic Society, the project aims to conserve and study the ancient mummies of Egypt.

King Tut’s Curse, a two-hour special, also examines the mystery behind the legendary “curse of Tutankhamun.” Was the death of Lord Carnarvon, the financier of Tut’s discovery, caused by some kind of metaphysical curse? What about the deaths of others involved in the discovery? For more than 80 years, such nightmares have loomed large in the public imagination.

Archeological, medical and forensic experts from around the world have come together, combining their knowledge and expertise. They examine King Tut’s tomb and his 3-D images, and even travel to newly discovered ancient sealed coffins in search of answers. King Tut’s story has been the source of intrigue for nearly a century. Now the veil of mystery is lifted in King Tut’s Curse.

King Tut’s Curse is produced by National Geographic Television and Film (NGT&F) for National Geographic Channels International. Executive producer for NGT&F is John Bredar. Brando Quilici is director and producer. For National Geographic Channels International, Executive Vice President of Content is Sydney Suissa.

For further information, please contact

Shilpa Kaicker/ Tina Mahajan

Genesis Public Relations

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