It is well known that to open ancient burial places, to get inside the pyramids of Egypt, to dig out the burial mounds dangerous profession. For archaeologists, tourists and hunters there is always the risk of Contracting diseases, pathogens which accidentally or intentionally listed in the grave. Anyone who violates the eternal peace of the dead, waiting terrible Kara...

In Ancient Egypt knew what you can deter looters from rich burials. The tombs of pharaohs were surrounded by myths about the curse that falls on the head of the wicked, encroached on the sacred tomb. Many still believe that the invasion of the interior of the pyramid is threatened by death brave, who would venture.

About the "curse of the pharaohs" is composed of many legends. Connected with them a lot of prejudices, which, however, have a real basis. When reveal the space enclosed thousands of years ago, there bursts into a breath of fresh air, and from drafts are set in motion mold fungi, for centuries lying in the dust. Not all types of moulds harmful to humans, but many of them can cause severe, even fatal illness. "Perhaps, in ancient times, people have used biological weapons," suggested the Gotthard Kramer, biology and soil scientist from the University in Leipzig. Kramer specializes in the study of microorganisms inhabiting the ancient burial. He believes that existed in Ancient Egypt, the custom to leave in the tombs food allegedly as supplies for going to the other world of the dead man, was, apparently, for propagation of the moulds. Food rotted, they grew mold and impregnated with the deadly poison all the space of the tomb. Modern archaeologists are aware of the reality of the threats to them, so many of them work in the pyramids and dungeons in respirators, sometimes even wear tight protective suits. "Professional Association of scientists-archaeologists have developed measures of protection," says Kramer. Microscopic fungi raised by the airflow, and fall to the person not only in the respiratory tract, they infect the mucous membrane of eyes, tend to get into an organism through the skin, so without protective suit them not to be saved.

Dermatologist from the Western German city of Trier IV the Coffin and head skin clinic in Aachen University, Merck made a list of fungi found in ancient tombs. All samples were found three fungus. This is very dangerous "Trinity". Combined fungal infections often affect the vital organs that usually ends with the death of a person.

The tombs of the pharaohs can be very dangerous

But recent studies of the Egyptian pyramids showed that the danger is not so great: microorganisms-killers, apparently, already weakened and lost its aggressiveness.

German dermatologists were examined by archaeologists who excavated the ancient graves. The results were unexpected. Found infections of the nails, feet and scalp that were found by archaeologists, you can easily pick up in the hotel shower or on the beach. "I wonder, " said I. the Coffin, " what we found was a harmless fungus". Although surveyed archeologists worked in the underground vaults without a respirator and carelessly walked through the ancient dust in the beach sandals, they are dangerous not infected. Scientist from Aachen and his colleague from Trier came to the conclusion that in a confined space underground premises 90% of all microorganisms have long been dead, and, moreover, the risk of developing the disease after infection by fungi of all kinds is not too high. Only people with a weakened immune system, HIV-infected, diabetics, or undergoing surgery for organ transplantation can die from a fungal infection. If this is the case with archaeologists, for tourists risk even less. They can wander wherever they allowed the organisers of excursions. Thus adventurers and marauders-hunters that on your own risk seek intact tombs of the pharaohs and other ancient rulers, should remember that the "curse of the pharaohs" is not a myth, and it is unknown what substances it is possible to face dug in the boneyard.