Malaria killed King Tut
Wednesday February 17th, 2010
The legendary Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen died from malaria and bone disease - not assassination, researchers revealed last night.
Genetic studies were combined with x-rays to analyse some 16 mummies.
As well as identifying genetic diseases and signs of malaria, researchers were able to identify several mummies.
These
include Tutankhamun's father Akhenaten, who was responsible for controversial
religious reforms in ancient Egypt.
The collapse of his short-lived dynasty in religious strife has led to speculation that the 19-year-old Tutankhamun was assassinated.
But the new study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, says he was infected with malaria - and probably walked with difficulty using canes.
The researchers, led by Dr Zahi Hawass, of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo, Egypt say the Pharaoh may have fallen and fractured a leg - making him susceptible to malaria.
They also rule out feminising diseases. The feminine appearance of the Pharaoh's famous tomb has led to speculation of a hormonal problem - but the researchers say there is no evidence of this.
JAMA. 2010;303[7]:638-647
Tags: Africa | General Health | Orthopaedics
Printer friendly page