Face of Tutankhamun, The

The wondrous story of the curse, fame and fortune surrounding the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun is brought to life. In this BBC series The Face of Tutankhamun, series writer and creator Christopher Frayling retraces the footsteps of legendary archaeologist Howard Carter – from his humble beginnings in rural England to the Valley of the Kings – where his discoveries bring fame, fortune, mystery and a curse for himself and a previously obscure boy-king of Egypt.

The Great Adventure: Over 80 years ago, with Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the greatest archaeological story of all time began to unfold. Host Christopher Frayling follows Carter's footprints from rural England to the Valley of the Kings in search of the facts behind the legend.

Wonderful Things: When Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun's tomb, he found a room piled from floor to ceiling with gold... a spectacular find. Just four months later, the expedition's sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, died suddenly, starting a rush of stories about the mummy's curse.

The Pharaoh Awakes: Beyond its historical relevance, the excavation proves a pivotal cultural event of the twentieth century. 'Tutankhamun Mania' grips the public and sparks an explosion of art and design based on the Egyptian style.

Heads in the Sand 1968: The King's coffin is opened and the race against time begins. For a people once obsessed with preserving life for the next world, the greatest mystery may be what will be done to save Egypt's treasures for succeeding generations.