Study: King Tut slain by sword in the knee

February 2, 2006 Pharaoh Tutankhamun

Researchers from Italy's Bolzano University say they believe Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun died from an infection caused by a sword cut.

The scientists say they found traces of gold leaf bearing animal symbols in the late pharaoh's right kneecap, Italian news agency ANSA reported. That led the researchers to surmise it had fallen from Tutankhamun's raiments, lodging in a hole they believe was caused by a sword.

Experts during the centuries have been unable to definitively say what caused King Tut's death. But the new discovery has led to the hypothesis a sword blow produced a fatal infection.

ANSA said the findings have not yet officially been made public. An Italian newspaper said Egypt's archaeological chief Zahi Hawass was awaiting a final report before making an announcement.

Rate this story - 3.3 /5 (121 votes)

rank
1
2
3
4
5

view popular

Move the slider to adjust rank threshold, so that you can hide some of the comments.

Display comments: newest first

kamell - Sep 21, 2008
- Rank: 1 / 5 (1)
Informative article. Thank you. The king Tut's mummy and the X-Ray test in http://famousphar...498.html
- report abuse
- - Current rank
  - 1
  - 2
  - 3
  - 4
  - 5

Other News

TED takes on 'What the world needs now'

Other Sciences / Other

5 minutes ago | not rated yet | 0

Let the mind-bending begin! A TED conference that attracts brilliant minds and challenges them to solve humanity's ills got underway Tuesday in the southern California city of Long Beach.

New research reveals burglars have changed their 'shopping list'

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

16 minutes ago | 2 / 5 (1) | 0

Globalisation, and particularly cheaper electronic goods from China and the Far East, has altered behaviour among Britain's burglars according research in progress at the University of Leicester.

Study challenges bird-from-dinosaur theory of evolution - was it the other way around?

Other Sciences / Archaeology & Fossils

12 hours ago | 4 / 5 (10) | 4 |

(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provides yet more evidence that birds did not descend from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, experts say, a ...

'Counterfactual' thinkers are more motivated and analytical, study suggests

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

15 hours ago | 4.4 / 5 (5) | 6 |

(PhysOrg.com) -- "If only I had..." Almost everyone has said those four words at some time. Rather than intensifying regret, '"what if" reflection about pivotal moments in the past helps people to weave a coherent life story, ...

The Glass Cliff: Female representation in politics and business

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

6 hours ago | not rated yet | 0

Leadership positions in business have proven to be precarious for women. Female business leaders are more likely to be appointed to powerful leadership positions when an organization is in crisis or high-risk circumstances. ...