Possible Death Theories For Tutankhamun
There are many theories as to how and why Tutankhamun’s life
ended. In this section I will be exploring the three most popular deaths that
seem fitting given certain circumstances.
Firstly, we know from the mummy that Tutankhamun’s life was cut incredibly short as it is predicted that he died around the age of 20. It is also thought that Tutankhamun died suddenly , without any clear signs. This aroused when archaeologists entered the tomb and all claimed that this tomb was nowhere near good enough for a Pharaoh, also the mould that had been growing on the walls, over the years, had seemingly grown due to the paint being applied on possible wet plaster. So overall, it can be gathered that this tomb was not for Tutankhamun.
The Murder Theory
There are many theories, but this one was thought for a long time to be true. The theory is that Tutankhamun was murdered due to a loose bone fragment found in the skull, which implied a possible blow to the head. It has been unclear as to who could have committed this murder, but popular thoughts are: Aye, Tutankhamun’s advisor; One of Akhenaten’s old friends, whom Tutankhamun would have cut their power from and a person who hated Tutankhamun’s family. However, the murder of a Pharaoh was seen as the murder of a god and this would have led to a life of pain and misery, so the person who could have murdered Tutankhamun would have had to have had a strong motive, one that could defy the gods.
The Chariot Theory
The second most popular theory to arouse was that Tutankhamun was killed in a chariot accident. It remains unclear as to where and why this would happen (possibly a war of some description), but what is known if that Tutankhamun would have either fallen off a chariot in an awkward position or was kneeling before the chariot smashed into his left side. This theory would explain the damage to Tutankhamun’s left side. This theory would easily explain the great number of chariots found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, but: could Tutankhamun have been able to ride a chariot?
The Epileptic Theory
This new theory aroused after an autopsy of the skeleton was conducted and could answer for a lot of questions. It is thought that Tutankhamun could have had temporal-lobe-epilepsy. This epilepsy would have been caused by the heavy incest in Tutankhamun’s family and would have also explained for his low immune system, corrupt hormone levels and possible visions. It is thought that this epilepsy started when Tutankhamun’s great-grandfather was ruling, it is known that his great-grandfather did have powerful visions, visions that could have been easily caused by this type of epilepsy.
So as the theory goes, this is what is thought to have happened: Tutankhamun had an epileptic fit whilst standing and fell onto his left knee, this knee had then became fractured and good have been the start to internal bleeding or could have become infected over time with a powerful and common disease. We know this fracture occurred near Tutankhamun's death as there is tissue that was growing back, before his death. This theory explains the sudden death and rushed burial, but how does this explain the fact that Tutankhamun’s left side is left in an awful state?
Firstly, we know from the mummy that Tutankhamun’s life was cut incredibly short as it is predicted that he died around the age of 20. It is also thought that Tutankhamun died suddenly , without any clear signs. This aroused when archaeologists entered the tomb and all claimed that this tomb was nowhere near good enough for a Pharaoh, also the mould that had been growing on the walls, over the years, had seemingly grown due to the paint being applied on possible wet plaster. So overall, it can be gathered that this tomb was not for Tutankhamun.
The Murder Theory
There are many theories, but this one was thought for a long time to be true. The theory is that Tutankhamun was murdered due to a loose bone fragment found in the skull, which implied a possible blow to the head. It has been unclear as to who could have committed this murder, but popular thoughts are: Aye, Tutankhamun’s advisor; One of Akhenaten’s old friends, whom Tutankhamun would have cut their power from and a person who hated Tutankhamun’s family. However, the murder of a Pharaoh was seen as the murder of a god and this would have led to a life of pain and misery, so the person who could have murdered Tutankhamun would have had to have had a strong motive, one that could defy the gods.
The Chariot Theory
The second most popular theory to arouse was that Tutankhamun was killed in a chariot accident. It remains unclear as to where and why this would happen (possibly a war of some description), but what is known if that Tutankhamun would have either fallen off a chariot in an awkward position or was kneeling before the chariot smashed into his left side. This theory would explain the damage to Tutankhamun’s left side. This theory would easily explain the great number of chariots found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, but: could Tutankhamun have been able to ride a chariot?
The Epileptic Theory
This new theory aroused after an autopsy of the skeleton was conducted and could answer for a lot of questions. It is thought that Tutankhamun could have had temporal-lobe-epilepsy. This epilepsy would have been caused by the heavy incest in Tutankhamun’s family and would have also explained for his low immune system, corrupt hormone levels and possible visions. It is thought that this epilepsy started when Tutankhamun’s great-grandfather was ruling, it is known that his great-grandfather did have powerful visions, visions that could have been easily caused by this type of epilepsy.
So as the theory goes, this is what is thought to have happened: Tutankhamun had an epileptic fit whilst standing and fell onto his left knee, this knee had then became fractured and good have been the start to internal bleeding or could have become infected over time with a powerful and common disease. We know this fracture occurred near Tutankhamun's death as there is tissue that was growing back, before his death. This theory explains the sudden death and rushed burial, but how does this explain the fact that Tutankhamun’s left side is left in an awful state?