The Lydian Hoard
A collection of treasures that belonged to the kingdom of Lydia was stolen in 1966 by looters. The Metropolitan Museum bought the collection before returning it to Turkey years later. In the meantime, the looters who stole the treasure felt the effects of what’s called a curse by some: many of them died in strange accidents or fell deathly ill.
Koh-I-Noor Diamond
At one point in history, the Koh-I-Noor diamond was the largest individual diamond in the world. However, as time has worn on, various owners have cut it into smaller fragments, and it’s now just 105 carats. It reportedly bears this curse: “He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.”
King Tut’s Tomb
The tomb of King Tut is said to be cursed. This one is one of the earliest examples of “ancient Egyptian curses” that are such popular tropes in fiction about the region. Many of the people who were part of the expedition that first unearthed Tut’s tomb are said to have died mysteriously in the months and years following the discovery, all of which have been attributed to the Pharoh’s curse.
The Shah Diamond
The Shah Diamond is a beautiful gem that has been owned by numerous Shahs throughout history. However, those who own it are said to find their kingdoms embroiled in war and tragedy. It now resides in Russia after having been traded to the Soviet Union in an attempt to break the curse.
The Hands Resist Him
This painting, called “The Hands Resist Him,” was created in 1972 by Bill Stoneham. Stoneham was recreating a childhood photo of him, but included spectral hands pressed against the glass door behind him. Those who have owned the painting, or even printed off copies of it, say they’ve experienced odd occurrences including losing important items and even seeing the figures in the painting vanish.
