15 Curses From Antiquity Still Feared Today
Ancient curses continue to inspire fear and fascination across cultures and centuries.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
This article explores 15 historical curses that remain feared today, from Egyptian pharaohs to modern legends like La Llorona. Each curse combines history, folklore, and superstition, showing the enduring power of belief. Despite scientific explanations, these curses continue to influence culture, exploration, and storytelling worldwide.
1. 1. The Curse of Tutankhamun
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The discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 shocked the world not only for its treasures but for the sudden deaths surrounding those involved in the expedition. Newspapers sensationalized the story. Archaeologists and staff reported strange illnesses, accidents, and even mental breakdowns following the excavation. Today, the curse remains a staple of popular culture.
2. 2. The Curse of the Hope Diamond
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The Hope Diamond, a rare blue gem, has a history of death, misfortune, and scandal. Tales claim a Hindu priest cursed it to punish anyone who possessed it unjustly. Despite its current home at the Smithsonian, many visitors and collectors remain wary of its legendary power. The diamond’s sinister reputation continues to inspire stories in books, films, and jewelry folklore.
3. 3. The Curse of the Pharaohs
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Beyond Tutankhamun, many Egyptian pharaohs’ tombs were said to be protected by powerful curses. Archaeologists report multiple incidents of illness and strange accidents near unopened tombs. The fear of disturbing sacred burial sites still influences modern excavations. These curses blend religion, superstition, and history into a lasting cultural warning.
4. 4. The Curse of the Bambino
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This famous American sports curse stemmed from the Boston Red Sox trading Babe Ruth, known as “The Bambino,” to the New York Yankees in 1919. Following the trade, the Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series. The superstition persisted despite rational explanations and statistical analyses.
5. 5. The Curse of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes
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King Antiochus IV of the Seleucid Empire desecrated Jewish temples and enforced Hellenistic practices on Judea around 167 BCE. According to tradition, he was struck with madness and gruesome death as divine punishment. This curse has been remembered in Jewish history as a moral and spiritual warning. Modern interpretations often cite it when discussing hubris and divine justice.
6. 6. The Curse of Agamemnon
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The legendary Greek king Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War, met a gruesome fate upon returning home. Mythology tells that his wife, Clytemnestra, murdered him, fulfilling a curse placed on his family by previous acts of violence. This curse symbolized the consequences of hubris, bloodshed, and divine disfavor. Scholars still debate the historicity, but the moral impact endures.
7. 7. The Curse of the Oak Island Treasure
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Oak Island in Nova Scotia is famous for its mysterious money pit, rumored to contain treasures hidden centuries ago. Numerous explorers have died or disappeared while attempting to uncover the riches. Legends suggest a curse was placed to protect the treasure from unworthy seekers. The curse remains a cautionary tale of greed and obsession.
8. 8. The Curse of La Llorona
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Originating from Mexican folklore, La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, is said to curse anyone who disrespects the waters where she drowned her children. Witnesses report seeing a ghostly woman in white near rivers and lakes, often followed by misfortune or tragedy. Stories have persisted across centuries. Even in modern times, the legend continues to influence films, literature, and regional culture.
9. 9. The Curse of the Bambara Kings’ Tombs
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In West Africa, particularly among the Bambara people, royal tombs are surrounded by severe warnings. Those who disturb or steal from these tombs are said to suffer violent deaths or lifelong misfortune. Explorers and anthropologists often recount eerie encounters or sudden illnesses near these sacred sites. The curse serves as both spiritual and cultural protection for heritage sites.
10. 10. The Curse of the Princes in the Tower
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In 1483, the two young princes, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London. Legends claim their deaths were caused by a curse invoked by those loyal to the murdered Duke of Clarence. Historians continue to debate the truth behind the events, but the legend endures in popular imagination. Tourists and locals alike speak of a haunting presence in the Tower.
11. 11. The Curse of the Sphinx
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Ancient Egyptian beliefs held that the Great Sphinx at Giza was protected by powerful magic. Anyone attempting to damage or disrespect it was said to suffer divine wrath. Over centuries, explorers and vandals who approached too closely reported injuries, accidents, or illness. Archaeological protocol today reflects the lasting fear of these curses.
12. 12. The Curse of the Black Death Graves
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During the 14th century, mass graves were dug across Europe to contain victims of the Black Death. Folk beliefs suggested that disturbing these graves would bring the plague back upon intruders. Even centuries later, archaeologists report cautionary tales and unusual health concerns near excavation sites. The curse illustrates the combination of superstition and practical fear during pandemics.
13. 13. The Curse of the Terracotta Army
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The Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China, built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, is said to carry a curse on anyone who seeks to harm it. Modern excavations have revealed mercury traces in the tomb, possibly causing illness among workers. Local myths warn against greed and disrespect for sacred artifacts. Tourists and archaeologists still approach the site with awe and caution.
14. 14. The Curse of the Winchester Mystery House
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Sarah Winchester, widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle, was said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by the firearm. Legends suggest the spirits cursed anyone who mocked the house or tried to interfere with her construction. Visitors claim to feel an eerie presence, reinforcing the house’s haunted reputation. The curse has made the mansion a famous site of paranormal interest.
15. 15. The Curse of the Roman Emperors’ Tombs
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Many Roman emperors’ tombs were said to be cursed to punish desecration. Suetonius and other historians recount unusual deaths among those who plundered imperial tombs. Modern archaeology respects these sites due to both ethical and superstitious concerns. Tales of emperors’ wrath continue to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike.