How They Croaked
King Tutenkhamen
King Tutankhamen (King Tut)
He was King of Egypt from 1334 BC to 1323 BC. He was mummified after his death and then discovered in 1922 by explorers and then autopsied and researched.
Now on exhibit in the Cairo Museum
After extensive studies were done on both Tutankhamen and his tomb, the scientists donated everything they had first to the New York Natural History Museum. Today it is back in Egypt at the Cairo Museum.
King Tut as a child
No one really knows what King Tut looked like but this is a representation of what scientist predicted he looked like.
King Tut's tomb
King Tut's Coffin
This is a close up of the detailed face on his coffin.
Medicine of Tut's time
There was not any major medicine until the mummification process which was started as soon as the person died. Bodies were dehydrated and protected from insects and other pests. The brain was removed by using a hook and jamming it up into the persons nose to break up the grey matter. The skull was then washed with a disinfectant and then the abdomen was prepped for organs to be removed. Jars would hold any removed organs but the heart was left behind because the thought was that the person would use it in their next life to think. Spices, salt, and other minerals were used to further dehydrate the body and then covered with a sticky gum substance and bandages to waterproof and preserve the body and then placed in caskets.
King Tut is a well know ruler today but in reality he didn't do much.
He was the youngest ruler of Egypt from age 9 to 18. As a child, he played more than wanted to rule an empire. It still today seems odd that he was the youngest ruler of Egypt ever.
How He Croaked
It took science quite awhile to understand how Tut died. Many were confused by his missing bones and some cuts to his skin and thought he was murdered. But on further inspection, he died from a broken leg that got infected and also Malaria because of a mosquito bite.
If Tut got sick today, he would've been okay.
There are many types of medicine to treat malaria but plenty of strands of malaria that resist certain medicine. It also depends on how early in the disease medicine can be given, so that it can prevent the malaria to get any worse in some cases. A broken bone would have also been set and antibiotics given to stop or prevent any infection.
Tut's lineage and the "Mummies Curse"
Tutenkhamun did attempt having children but both were stillborn and mummified and placed in his coffin with him. A legend was started when scientists removed his coffin and started the "pharaohs curse". Tales were told of power outages in whole areas of Egypt after his removal.
Only three major events happened in Tut's life.
When it occurred: 1337 BC
What occurred?
At the age of nine, Tutankhamen became king of Egypt.
Why is this event important/significant?
At such a young age, he became a ruler of a whole country and empire.When it occurred: 1337 BC
What occurred?
He was married to Ankhsenamun.
Why is this event important/significant?
Again, at the age of 9, he went through another big adult step in his life. Also, who he married was his second cousin.When it occurred: 1323 BC
What occurred?
King Tut died from a broken leg, infection, and malaria.
Why is this event important/significant?
He died at the age of 18 and was quickly mummified upon his death.