In the nearly 100 years since archaeologist Howard Carter chanced upon the “wonderful things” hidden within King Tutankhamun’s tomb, hordes of researchers and tourists have ventured inside the world-famous Egyptian crypt, unwittingly introducing unwanted hitchhikers such as dust, humidity and carbon dioxide.

However, a newly concluded restoration project spearheaded by the Los Angeles-based Getty Conservation Institute and the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities has stabilised the ancient tomb, countering damage inflicted by the masses and ensuring the heritage site will remain accessible for generations to come.

Live Science reports that conservators stabilised wall paintings, created viewing platforms and barriers designed to maintain visibility while simultaneously keeping visitors a safe distance away from more sensitive sections of the tomb; installed an air filtration and ventilation system to mitigate the effects of humidity, carbon dioxide and dust; and instituted an array of related visitor management measures.

Tutankhamun ascended to the Egyptian throne at the age of 8 or 9 in 1338 or 1336 B.C.

Over the course of his brief reign, the young pharaoh attempted to reverse the religious instability wrought by his father, Akhenaten, but upon his death at the age of 19 (variously attributed to an untreated abscessed tooth, an infected broken leg and genetic issues triggered by Egyptian royals’ incestual matchmaking), his efforts were largely forgotten.

Tutankhamun only achieved the widespread fame he enjoys today with Carter’s 1922 discovery of the tomb, which was packed with more than 5,000 well-preserved artifacts ranging from chariots to clothing, weapon and walking sticks.

The unprecedented state of preservation in which his tomb was found—and perhaps that fabled “curse” linked to the crypt’s opening—mean the pharaoh’s popularity shows no sign of slowing down.

Smithsonian