Late Tomb Hunter's 'Valley Is Exhausted' Remark Ages Poorly

The American lawyer and businessman Theodore M. Davis, who held the concession to dig in the Valley of the Kings before Lord Carnarvon, wrote in 1912 that he feared the valley was now exhausted. He gave up the permit in 1914 and died the following year.

Davis made real discoveries in his time. His digs came within a few meters of what Carter found this week. Experts urge caution before declaring anything exhausted, especially in a place built by people whose favorite hobby was hiding things.

Satire. For what actually happened, see the “What really happened” box in the full issue.

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