Tutankhamun's Death: No Evidence for Murder
The debate about what happened to young King Tut has raged for years. While some historians believe that Tutankhamun may have been murdered by his closest advisers, others say that this explanation is simply not possible. They agree that there is no way that Tutankhamun was murdered.
Other Causes for the Head Wound
- Many experts point to the large wound in the back of King Tut's head as
evidence that he was murdered.
- However, some scientists offer a simpler explanation, saying that his body
might have been dropped on the floor during mummification or while being
moved. These historians say that the fact that there is no evidence of bleeding
around the wound shows that it did not happen while Tut was alive.
- There is no area on the back of the skull that indicates a partially healed blow
if it had happened when Tut was alive, the blow would have begun to heal
before he died.
- There are two bone fragments loose in the skull. These cannot possibly
have been from an injury that happened before his death because they would
have been stuck in the embalming material during mummification.
Damage After Discovery in 1922
-Today, Tutankhamun's mummy is in poor condition and difficult to analyze.
This is partially because when it was discovered in 1922, Howard Carter took
the mummy apart looking for amulets and other jewelry.
- A number of experts think the bone fragments found in King Tut's head may
be from this rough handling or from when the team tried to remove Tut's gold
mask, not from murder.
No Motivation for Murder
- Many who believe Tutankhamun was murdered mention all of the people that
would have benefited from his death. This list includes his close adviser Aye
and an important general named Horemhab.
- However, many historians believe that Tutankhamun had no enemies. They
say he was loved by the priests and the people because he brought back the
polytheistic religion of Amun-Re. Many were tired of the monotheism of his
father, Ankhenaten, and were glad the temples were reopened.
- Also, Aye and Horemhab would have had no reason to kill Tutankhamun because
he was still young and did not hold much authority.
Other Causes for the Head Wound
- Many experts point to the large wound in the back of King Tut's head as
evidence that he was murdered.
- However, some scientists offer a simpler explanation, saying that his body
might have been dropped on the floor during mummification or while being
moved. These historians say that the fact that there is no evidence of bleeding
around the wound shows that it did not happen while Tut was alive.
- There is no area on the back of the skull that indicates a partially healed blow
if it had happened when Tut was alive, the blow would have begun to heal
before he died.
- There are two bone fragments loose in the skull. These cannot possibly
have been from an injury that happened before his death because they would
have been stuck in the embalming material during mummification.
Damage After Discovery in 1922
-Today, Tutankhamun's mummy is in poor condition and difficult to analyze.
This is partially because when it was discovered in 1922, Howard Carter took
the mummy apart looking for amulets and other jewelry.
- A number of experts think the bone fragments found in King Tut's head may
be from this rough handling or from when the team tried to remove Tut's gold
mask, not from murder.
No Motivation for Murder
- Many who believe Tutankhamun was murdered mention all of the people that
would have benefited from his death. This list includes his close adviser Aye
and an important general named Horemhab.
- However, many historians believe that Tutankhamun had no enemies. They
say he was loved by the priests and the people because he brought back the
polytheistic religion of Amun-Re. Many were tired of the monotheism of his
father, Ankhenaten, and were glad the temples were reopened.
- Also, Aye and Horemhab would have had no reason to kill Tutankhamun because
he was still young and did not hold much authority.
