What Science Has To Say About The Most Popular Egyptian Mummy In The World, Tutankhamun

The sensational rumors that surround the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, such as persistent whispers of a curse, frequently cast a shadow over studies of his life. But if we let the rumors prevent us from seeing Tutankhamun as a real person, we’ll miss out.

1. The cause of Tutankhamun’s death is still unknown

Recent research employing CT scans, DNA testing, and x-rays revealed that Tutankhamun suffered from malaria in addition to other illnesses like a cleft palate. Just before he passed away, he also broke his leg. This data enables us to create a picture of Tutankhamun’s health prior to his demise. Although there is no indication that he was murdered, it doesn’t exactly explain how he passed away.

2. He was buried with flowers

Ancient Egyptians valued flowers and they depicted flower gardens in paintings on the tomb walls. Flowers were prized for their aesthetic appeal, fragrant qualities, and symbolic meanings. Tutankhamun was interred between the middle of March and the end of April, according to analyses of the flowers and fruits used to make the collar. Given that the process of preparing his body for burial would have taken 70 days, Tutankhamun most certainly passed away during the winter.

3. By using specific methods, Tutankhamun’s appearance was preserved

The ancient Egyptians held the view that the soul, or Ka, had to recognize its body in order to return to it in order to continue to exist in the hereafter. Tutankhamun’s face was therefore filled out using materials like resin to give it a more lifelike appearance.

Up until recently, it was believed that Tutankhamun died unexpectedly and was embalmed hastily and inadequately. The most recent CT scans, however, disprove this. The face would have required time and expertise to pack out.

4. Tutankhamun traveled to the afterlife with companions

Two female fetuses were found in these coffins, according to a 2011 research. Both of them passed away shortly after giving birth, one at about five to six months gestation and the other at about nine months. These are most likely the daughters of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun, and they most likely passed away before their father.

Finding a mummified fetus is unusual. Some children were mummified by the ancient Egyptians, but even this practice was rare. Tutankhamun clearly felt the loss of his children deeply and desired to have them with him in the afterlife.

5. Tutankhamun has not always benefited from his fame

Other than Otzi the Iceman, Tutankhamun is most likely the most researched mummy in history. Modern CT scans used in Tutankhamun research have revealed that his body is no longer whole or even undamaged.

Very soon after he was found, in 1925, the first investigation was conducted. The anatomists who studied Tutankhamun forced him out of his coffin as he was glued to it with resin because they were eager to see Tutankhamun himself. His head and limbs were separated from his torso during the rough handling.

The only royal mummy that is still in the tomb in Egypt is that of Tutankhamun. His tomb was once again visited at some point, possibly during World War II, by an unidentified person or people. The search for amulets or jewelry led to the cutting and removal of some of Tutankhamun’s ribs.

We now know more about Tutankhamun’s health, daily life, and preparations for the afterlife thanks to science. His legacy extends beyond a consideration of his personal life. It serves as a record of how our fascination with the boy king is fueled by science.

News Mania Desk