Howard Carter
1874–1939 · British (London) · Edwardian Era / Interwar Period
Known for: Discovered King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922—the most famous archaeological find in history and the spark for worldwide 'Egyptomania'
Carter was an artist and archaeologist who spent years searching the Valley of the Kings. When Lord Carnarvon was about to withdraw funding, Carter's team found Tutankhamun's tomb. His response when asked if he could see anything: 'Yes, wonderful things.'
The tomb's treasures—including the golden death mask—were the greatest archaeological find ever. Carter was meticulous but socially difficult; he feuded with Egyptian authorities for years. He never received a knighthood or academic degree.
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