The famous British Archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter left his mark forever here in Luxor for the simple fact that it was he and his team that discovered the most famous site known to the ancient Egyptian world, that of the golden Pharaonic burial mask and intact Tomb of the boy King Tutankhamun. His home still remains there to this day.
The Discovery of Howard Carter
It all started in 1907 when the french egyptologist Sir Gaston Maspero recommended Howard Carter to Lord Carnarvon to hire him as a supervisor on the excavations of nobles' tombs in Deir el Bahri. The work done by Carter in this task is what made Lord Carnavan hire him again in 1914 to lead the digging in the Valley of The Kings in Luxor right after he received the concession. It wasn't untill November 4th 1922 that Carter made his great discovery of the secret chamber of King Tut's Mummy. Carter's discovery had a great impact on the world interest in Ancient Egypt and Egyptology.
Location
Just a short 1 hour flight from Cairo or the night sleeper train from Cairo (approximately 10 hours) down to Luxor in Upper Egypt. It is also accessible from Hurghada by flight (30 minutes) or by road in roughly 4 hours. Options from Aswan by road (3 hours), or Nile cruise over a few days sailing.
History
Across the sprawling sandstone rock face of the beautiful West Bank of Luxor, and home to the ancient Tombs of the Nobles, was also the home of the famous British Archaeologist Howard Carter whilst he stayed there during his digs. He had proved himself to be an expert in the field of archaeology, so at the age of only 24, he was appointed first chief inspector of the Egyptian Antiquities Service in 1899.
Howard Carter House is noticeable by its domed roof and lush green gardens surrounding the property The house which is considered a Museum, is in its original form and the interior still homes all of the original tools, maps, old record player complete with records that Carter played at that time, antique original furnishings and a replica of the Tomb of Tutankhamun which Carter discovered.
The most well known Egyptian Archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass’s was behind the plan to re- open Howard Carter House after years of it standing desolate and uninhabited, with the idea that it would be a welcome boost for tourism and a fascinating insight into the life of the man who spent many hard years digging and discovering Egypt’s ancient hidden treasures.
Part of the enjoyable experience of the House, is the video recording from Carter himself along with a rather haunting 3D image of him talking and walking around! it is well worth a visit for those wishing to really see the origins of the digs which started here in Luxor by the man himself.