A New Explanation of King Tutankhamen’s Death

Archaeology rocks

Thanks very much to Chris Townsend for this link, which is the text of a lecture by W. Benson Harer Jr, MD, DHL.

ABSTRACT: Recent unwrapping and computerized tomographic studies of the mummy of King Tutankhamen confirm major anomalies as compared to other royal mummies. Most notable is the excision of a large segment of the anterior thorax by the embalmers. This unique feature was probably required by the condition of the corpse. The most likely explanation is that Tut sustained a crushing injury to the chest. An incidental distal femur fracture occurring shortly before death was also noted. How these findings would impact the embalming process is discussed along with the reasoning why the most likely cause of all postulated injuries would be due to the kick of a horse.

Controversy and speculation have abounded since the original autopsy of King Tutankhamen revealed he was just a youth when he died. The recent uncovering and computerized tomographic (CT) scanning of the mummy of King Tutankhamen provide evidence of multiple anomalies in the preparation of his mummy compared to other royal mummies of the era. These include:

• entry to the skull through the foramen magnum as well as the nose to extract the brain
• removal of the sternum and adjacent rib portions and overlying skin
• absence of a heart scarab and NO heart present
• use of a transverse unsutured abdominal incision to extract abdominal viscera
• replacement of all viscera including kidneys with resin soaked linen packing
• absence of an embalmers wedjat eye plate over the incision
• placement of the lower arms across the abdomen rather than crossed over the chest

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