Tutankhamun

Spellbound by ITV’s Sunday evening series Tutankhamun, I’m quite taken aback by emotional and visceral excitement experienced (moved to tears by first sight of the unearthed tomb), though long familiar with the outcome of Howard Carter’s labours.

The priceless treasures are unparalleled marvels in themselves. A boy king. The times. Ancient history. Utterly fascinating.

But tonight I wonder just what drives men like Carter? ‘Something’ assured him absolutely that if he kept going he’d find buried treasure that was his chief passion. He did. Was it just chance? Where does that kind of ‘genius’ and determination come from?

Just wondering.