1st Season (1922–1923)

Howard Carter arrived in Luxor on 28 October 1922, visiting Callender at Erment before returning to Gurna the next day. On 1 November, excavations began in the Valley of the Kings near the tomb of Ramses VI. Clearing ancient workmen’s huts, Carter uncovered on 4 November the top step of a sunken staircase cut into the bedrock—signalling the entrance to a new tomb. By 5 November, a sealed plastered doorway appeared, bearing the necropolis seal of Anubis over nine foes, apparently untouched since antiquity. Realising the significance, Carter reclosed the hole he had made and cabled Lord Carnarvon in England: “At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley, a magnificent tomb with seals intact.”

Over the following days, the site was secured and news spread rapidly. On 23 November, Lord Carnarvon arrived in Luxor, joined soon after by Lady Evelyn. Callender cleared sixteen steps leading to the sealed doorway, where impressions of Tutankhamun’s cartouche were finally visible. On 25 November, the first doorway was opened, revealing a rubble-filled passage; the next day a second sealed doorway appeared. At mid-afternoon on 26 November, Carter made a small breach and peered in by candlelight. Before him lay a glittering mass of gold and ebony furniture, chariots, statues, and caskets—“wonderful things”—the treasures of Tutankhamun.

Inspection followed on 27–29 November, confirming the tomb’s magnificence. Official guests, including Lady Allenby, H.E. Abdel Aziz Bey Yehia, and Mr and Mrs Engelbach, attended the opening. Through December, steel gates were installed, and by 20 December, Lucas, Breasted, Burton, and Hall had joined the team. On 16 February 1923, the sealed doorway to the burial chamber was opened before government officials, revealing the royal shrines.

Tragedy struck soon after: Lord Carnarvon fell ill in Cairo and died on 5 April 1923. Carter returned to complete the season, overseeing the packing of objects through May. On 25 May, he left for London, arriving on 30 May, bringing to a close the most extraordinary archaeological season in modern history.

Record produced during this season: Object cards, Miscellaneous, Correspondence, Scientific notes, Maps, plans, sketches and drawings, Conservation notes, Images, Journals and diaries.