Q: Was there really a Pandora's Box and what was in it?

A: In Greek mythology, Pandora (The first women) was created by Zeus to avenge Prometheus' theft of fire.  Pandora, whose name means "All Gifted" was endowed with every possible charm and sent to earth with a very special deadly box. Prometheus was too wise to be deceived by Pandora's beauty, but his younger brother Epimetheus, fell in love with her and accepted the box as a wedding present from the gods. When Epimetheus allowed Pandora to open the box a cloud of evil flew out, spreading death, disease and destruction throughout the world. All that remained inside the box was one small comfort --- hope.

The Peoples Almanac #2 by David Wallechinsky & Irving Wallace