Perhaps the most romanticized figure in Egyptian history and certainly one of the most studied mummies is that of Tutankhamun. In 2005 we learned that Tutankhamun was only nineteen years old when he died and that a blow to his head was not the cause of death, as was previously believed. It was discovered he had recently fractured his left leg before his death, leaving open the possibility of infection. Now five years later, Zahi Hawass reports to the readers of National Geographic, in an article titled King Tut’s Family Secrets, about his work with colleagues in discovering more about Tutankhamun’s lineage.
The process began by carefully removing DNA samples from all mummy subjects. The samples were removed from bone for the least amount of contamination, though it still took six months for all contamination to be removed. Many have thought that Amenhotep III was his father because he referred to him as such though this did cause some issues, historically speaking, with timelines. Test results showed, however, that Amenhotep III was the father of mummy KV55 who was in turn Tutankhamun’s father. It is most likely that KV55 is Akhenaten as his coffin was defaced and Akhenaten is known for changing the common religion until Tutankhamun changed it back. There is still a possibility that they are the remains of Smenkhkare, another king. Tutankhamun’s mother, KV35YL, is also unidentified but proven to be his father’s sister. There is doubt that either of Akhenaten’s wives (Nefertiti and Kiya) were his full blooded sisters. Mummy KV21A is thought to likely be the mother of two fetuses found in the tomb and Tutankhamun was found to be the father of one and possibly the second. If KV21A was his wife, Ankhesenamun, then she would be the daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, making her Tutankhamun’s half sister if KV55 is indeed Akhenaten.
With these intriguing discoveries of an incestuous lineage, more about Tutankhamun’s physical state was discovered. “Tutankhamun’s left foot was clubbed, one toe was missing a bone, and the bones in part of the foot were destroyed by necrosis,” according to Zahi Hawass (Hawass 54). A parasite was also found that led scientists to conclude he had contracted Malaria, which may have caused his death. Hawass is concerned that incest may have led to these complications but more importantly that it weakened his immune system. With a weakened immune system he may not have been able to handle what a healthier individual may have.
The two main problems still existing are: Who is Tutankhamun’s father? and How did he die? For the first, I believe we should turn toward history for the answer while DNA testing continues. We know that Tutankhamun went against Akhenaten’s religious decision and returned to the old tradition which could mean his father was another royal prince who disagreed with his brother. There are religious implications as well with his parents being siblings. It was believed that the first divine couple, leading to the origins of Egyptian society, were brother and sister. We should examine which religious belief this may fall in line with. Along with future discoveries, I also believe the DNA of KV21A should be compared to KV55. If they are similar, then the likelihood that it is Akhenaten’s increases.
For the second problem, I suggest that the internal organs be tested. Tutankhamun is rare in that his organs still remain carefully preserved. There is a risk of contamination but with the new century’s improved technology I believe it is worth the risk.
Article Read:
National Geographic September 2010, Vol. 218 No. 3, p34-59
Peer Reviewed Journals:
Tutankhamun's Family: Five Generations Revealed Through DNA Testing, Ancient Egypt Magazine; Apr/May2010, Vol. 10 Issue 5, p52-55
News From the Editor, Ancient Egypt Magazine; June/July2010, Vol. 10 Issue 6, p9-18
