The "Curse of the Pharaohs" refers to a supposed curse that would befall anyone who disturbed the tombs of ancient Egyptian rulers, particularly those of the New Kingdom. This idea gained popularity after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, when several individuals associated with the excavation died under mysterious circumstances. The concept of the curse is largely considered a myth, fueled by sensationalist media and public fascination with ancient Egypt. While some researchers suggest that bacteria or toxins in the tombs could have caused illness, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of a supernatural curse.