Interest in King Tut having been revived by the AGO's recent exhibit, theories about his death continue to abound. Murder is the most suspected cause, given the conspiracies that existed in ancient Egypt to cease power of the throne. However, many of the pre-existing theories are based on historical knowledge rather than medical. This article reveals a new theory, arrived at after much research of the skeleton and its DNA.
The information is based on studies undertaken in Egypt on the corpses of Tut and his ancestors. DNA evidence and comparison of physiology with other mummies has also led to the identification of his paternal grandmother, his father, Akhenaten and possibly his mother. All three bodies carry the malaria parasite found in King Tut's remains and theorized to have eventually caused his death.
"Using high-tech medical scanning equipment and DNA testing of mummified tissues, the researchers ruled out everything from Marfan to murder." The scans also revealed a clubfoot and osteoarthritis, which researchers believe explains the wealth of walking sticks found in the tomb. It is truly amazing what modern science can unearth!
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