Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues

• Introduction

  • Tutankhamun (Tut)
    • Last heir of a powerful pharaoh dynasty.
    • Died as a teenager; rule spanned a brief period.
  • The Mystery
    • Abrupt death around 3,300 years ago.
    • Speculations about murder vs. natural causes.
  • The Discovery
    • Tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter.
    • Worldwide sensation; immense treasure found.

• The Investigation & Technology

  • CT Scan (January 2005)
    • Aim: To solve lingering forensic mysteries.
    • Shift from speculation to scientific facts.
  • Scanning Process
    • Tut removed from his resting place (burial tomb).
    • Placed inside a portable CT scanner.
    • Initial hurdle: Sand in scanner fan; backup generators used.

• Historical Context & Genealogy

  • Amenhotep III
    • Tut's grandfather (or father).
    • Ruled during the dynasty's golden age.
  • Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten)
    • Initiated the Amarna revolution.
    • Promoted worship of Aten (sun disk).
    • Smashed images of Amun (major god), closed temples.
  • Smenkhkare & Tutankhaten
    • Brief, mysterious rulers followed Akhenaten.
    • Tut restored old ways, changed name to Tutankhamun (living image of Amun).

• The Mummy's Condition

  • Howard Carter’s Damage (1922)
    • Ritual resins hardened; Tut cemented to solid gold coffin bottom.
    • Chisels and force used to remove remains.
    • Bones severed and later reassembled on a sand bed.
  • Anatomical Revelations (CT Scan)
    • Breastbone and front ribs missing.
    • No signs of violent forced entry or murder confirmed.

• Aftermath & Conclusion

  • Restoration
    • Tut returned safely to his tomb.
    • Resting in peace after scientific intrusion.
  • Poetic Justice
    • Weather anomalies on scan day (dust storm, dark stars).
    • Attributed to the pharaoh's curse by superstitious locals.