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DNA Analysis Sheds New Light on King Tutankhamun’s Death
The cause of death of King Tutankhamun has been a subject of debate for over a century. However, a recent DNA analysis has brought researchers closer to determining the factors that led to the boy king’s demise. This
Genetic Evidence Points to Malaria Infection
Upon examining King Tut’s mummy, scientists discovered genetic markers indicating repeated bouts of malaria. This mosquito-borne disease, while treatable in modern times, was frequently fatal in ancient times, particularly during King Tut’s reign over 3,300 years ago.
Tim Batty, general manager of the Tutankhamun Exhibition, stated in January that tests revealed Tutankhamun was infected with malaria, potentially a contributing factor to his death.
Inbreeding and Potential Health Complications
The DNA analysis also successfully identified King Tut’s grandparents as Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. Both are believed to have also suffered from malaria. Furthermore, a separate genetic study concluded that King Tut was the result of inbreeding. This
Batty added, ‘It’s another piece of the puzzle surrounding the life and death of Tutankhamun.’
Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Despite his brief reign, King Tut remains one of history’s most famous pharaohs, largely due to the spectacular discovery of his tomb in 1922. British archaeologist Howard Carter led the excavation that unearthed King Tut’s remarkably well-preserved mummy and over 5,000 artifacts.
Challenges in Determining Cause of Death
Determining the cause of death for mummified remains is a complex task. The decomposition of tissues over time, coupled with the mummification process—which removes organs except for the heart—makes traditional analysis difficult. However, DNA analysis provides valuable insights into the health history of mummified individuals.
Study Methodology and Findings
The research was a collaborative effort involving the National Research Centre, Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine, and German DNA specialists.
Tissue samples were collected from several mummified remains in 2000, with the findings publicly announced this year. The results indicated that King Tut was likely the son of the mummy found in tomb KV55 in the Valley of the Kings. His mother, whose identity remains unconfirmed, may be buried in tomb KV35.
Uncertainty Surrounding Parental Identity
Researchers stated that due to the lack of definitive archaeological identification of the mummies in KV55 and KV35, ‘reverse engineering’ through DNA analysis suggests Tutankhamun’s father could have been the controversial Pharaoh Akhenaten.
While DNA can potentially link Tutankhamun to the mummy in KV55, definitively identifying the mother’s mummy remains challenging.
Genetic Insights into Tutankhamun’s Health
Batty noted that beyond family connections, DNA tests have yielded further information on diseases and inherited conditions that may have afflicted Tutankhamun.
‘The malaria just adds to the many possible causes of his death,’ Batty explained, suggesting a combination of factors contributed to his demise.
Past Research and Inbreeding Revelation
A 2014 BBC documentary, ‘Tutankhamun: The Truth Uncovered,’ highlighted earlier DNA analyses suggesting King Tut’s parents were siblings. Experts have long theorized that King Tut was the son of Akhenaten, known for his religious reforms in
Debate on King Tut’s Mother’s Identity
The identity of King Tut’s mother remains debated. Scholars propose possibilities like Queen Nefertiti (Akhenaten’s primary wife), Queen Kiya (Akhenaten’s sister-wife), or a lesser-known figure called the ‘Younger Lady.’
The ‘Younger Lady’ mummy, discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1898, is potentially King Tut’s mother and Akhenaten’s biological sister, according to DNA analysis. Geneticist Yehia Gad, a study co-author, mentioned the ‘surprise’ finding of a brother-sister relationship, explaining that
Findings Published in JAMA
These findings were initially published in the 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The conclusions were drawn from DNA analysis of 11 mummies believed to be related to King Tut.
Consequences of Royal Inbreeding
Inbreeding was common in ancient Egyptian royal families but significantly increased the risk of genetic disorders and congenital disabilities.
The study noted that ‘Several pathologies including Köhler disease II were diagnosed in Tutankhamun,’ yet ‘none alone would have caused death.’
Köhler disease, a rare bone disorder affecting foot bones in children, restricts blood flow and causes tissue necrosis.
Necrosis and Walking Canes
Further examinations, including CT scans, indicated necrosis in King Tut’s left foot. Walking canes discovered in his tomb support the idea of mobility issues.
Combined Health Issues as Likely Cause of Death
Researchers suggest the combined effects of necrosis and malaria infections as the most probable cause of death. Their report states that ‘Walking impairment and malarial disease sustained by Tutankhamun is supported by the discovery of canes and an afterlife pharmacy in his tomb.’
Challenges to 2010 Study
Since the 2010 study, some experts have raised objections. In 2022, French Egyptologist Marc Gabolde proposed that King Tut’s mother was Akhenaten’s cousin, Nefertiti.
Alternative Explanation of Genetic Overlap
During a Harvard University talk, Gabolde argued that the genetic similarities between King Tut’s purported parents could also arise from three generations of first-cousin marriages, not necessarily a brother-sister relationship. He suggested that ‘the DNA of the third generation between cousins looks like the DNA between a brother and sister,’ according to LiveScience.
Gabolde’s hypothesis suggests, ‘I believe that Tutankhamun is the son of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, but that Akhenaten and Nefertiti were cousins.’
Response from Lead Researcher
Zahi Hawass, who led the 2010 study, refuted Gabolde’s assertion. He argued that it contradicted the DNA analysis findings and lacked supporting evidence.