Introduction:

When Howard Carter discovered the mummy of King Tutankhamun in 1922, he faced several problems and challenges. These obstacles included the logistical difficulties of excavating and preserving the fragile remains, as well as the pressure to uncover valuable artifacts while ensuring the conservation of the historical site. Additionally, Carter faced criticism and skepticism from his peers, who doubted the significance of his findings.

Problems faced by Carter:

1. Fragile condition:
- The mummy of King Tutankhamun was in an extremely delicate state, having been buried for over 3,000 years in the hot and dry Egyptian desert.
- The linen bandages and fragile bones required careful handling to avoid damage or disintegration.
- Carter had to devise innovative methods to remove the layers of linen without causing harm to the mummy.

2. Limited resources:
- Carter faced limited resources, both in terms of financial support and equipment.
- He had to rely on basic tools and a small team of workers to excavate the tomb and preserve its contents.
- The lack of modern technology made the process more challenging and time-consuming.

3. Artifact preservation:
- As Carter uncovered the tomb, he encountered numerous artifacts and treasures buried alongside the mummy.
- Preserving these artifacts while excavating the tomb proved to be a painstaking task.
- Carter had to ensure that the delicate artifacts were carefully removed, documented, and transported without sustaining damage.

4. Pressure to uncover valuables:
- Carter faced immense pressure to uncover valuable treasures and artifacts that would attract attention and funding for future excavations.
- This pressure sometimes conflicted with the need to carefully document and preserve the historical context of the site.
- The balance between excavation speed and preservation became a significant challenge for Carter.

5. Criticism and skepticism:
- Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb and the subsequent media attention attracted skepticism from some members of the archaeological community.
- Some critics dismissed the significance of his findings, believing that the tomb had already been thoroughly explored and looted.
- Carter had to navigate these criticisms and prove the importance and uniqueness of his discoveries.

Conclusion:

Howard Carter faced numerous challenges when he reached the mummy of King Tutankhamun. These challenges included the fragile condition of the mummy, limited resources, the preservation of artifacts, the pressure to uncover valuables, and criticism from skeptics. Despite these obstacles, Carter's careful excavation and preservation efforts ultimately revealed one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.