THE MYSTERY of King Tutankhamun's death may finally be solved — with scientists turning to groundbreaking DNA evidence in their search for answers.
The young untimely death at just 18 has baffled experts for over a century.
But now, cutting-edge genetic research has uncovered the strongest clues yet as to what brought his short life and reign to an end: a deadly combination of malaria and inherited problems linked to .
A team of scientists from National Research Centre and University, working with two DNA experts, examined tissue samples from several royal mummies, including Tutankhamun himself.
Their findings point to a deadly combination of repeated infections and genetic disorders linked to inbreeding within the royal family.
Tim Batty, a general manager of the Tutankhamun Exhibition, hailed the results as “another piece of the great jigsaw” in the story if Egypt's most famous pharaoh.
tests show that King Tut suffered from necrosis in his left foot and a painful disease and was likely reliant on walking canes, many of which were found in his tomb.
Combined with malaria, which in ancient times was often fatal, researchers now believe this double blow is what led to his death.
The study also helped map out Tutankhamun's troubled family tree.
DNA evidence links his grandparents to Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye, but the identity of his parents remains partly shrouded in mystery.
Clues point to the mummy found in tomb KV55 — believed to be the controversial pharaoh Akhenaten — as his father, and possibly Akhenaten’s own sister as his mother.
Experts say this royal inbreeding likely caused King Tut's frail health,
shows his parents were siblings, or at lease very close relatives, a common practice in ancient .
The study also helped map out Tutankhamun’s troubled family tree.
DNA evidence links his grandparents to Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. His parents?
A mystery still partly unsolved.
But clues point to the found in tomb KV55, believed to be the controversial pharaoh Akhenaten, as his father, and possibly Akhenaten’s own sister as his mother.
Experts say this royal inbreeding likely caused King Tut’s frail .
DNA shows his parents were siblings, or at least very close relatives, a common practice in ancient Egypt’s royal circles to preserve the bloodline, but one that came with serious genetic risks.
Despite ruling for only nine years, Tutankhamun remains one of history’s most iconic , thanks largely to the 1922 discovery of his almost perfectly preserved tomb by British Howard Carter.
More than 5,000 treasures were found buried with him, including medicine and walking sticks, hinting at a life plagued by illness.
The DNA findings, first published in the Journal of the Association, have sparked fresh debate among Egyptologists.
While some experts support the theory of sibling parents, others believe King Tut’s mother may have been Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s cousin and chief wife.
Still, the new research adds powerful scientific weight to what was once only speculation.
It may not end the mystery entirely, but it brings us closer than ever to the truth behind the tragic death of the boy king.
The results are now on display at the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester, where visitors can explore the latest findings up close.
Staff say interest in the young pharaoh's story has soared since the announcement, with many eager to learn how science is finally unlocking ancient secrets.
“This is something people have been wondering about for over 100 years,”; said Batty.
“Now we’re starting to get real answers, and that’s incredibly exciting.”;
