The "Curse of the Pharaohs" refers to a supposed curse that is said to affect anyone who disturbs the tombs of ancient Egyptian rulers, particularly those of the New Kingdom. This legend gained popularity after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, when several individuals associated with the excavation died under mysterious circumstances. The curse is often attributed to the belief that the ancient Egyptians placed protective spells or curses on their tombs to deter grave robbers. However, many historians and scientists argue that the deaths were coincidental or due to natural causes, debunking the idea of a real curse.