16 Jul 2013 Tutankhamun was killed by a chariot

British archaeologists came up with surprising information in 2013. According to them, the famous Tutankhamun probably died after a collision with a chariot. Initially, it was assumed that the cause of death was a widespread infection after an open fracture of the femur.

Scientists performed a virtual autopsy. They gathered all the available information to determine how the pharaoh could have died. Computer models suggest he died after being hit by a chariot. It hit him at high speed and Tutankhamun didn't survive. "Moreover, Tutankhamun was buried without a heart, which is unusual. In fact, his internal organs seem to have been completely destroyed by the impact," the researchers said.

According to archaeologist Chris Naunton, an incredible amount of information has been overlooked for years. "While the death mask and other treasures are well known, it is staggering the amount of evidence that has been overlooked. There are a lot of questions that we haven't asked before, let alone had answers to," the archaeologist stated.

Laboratory tests on the mummy, which is otherwise preserved and in Cairo, were key. The research was carried out by anthropologist Robert Connolly. Working with other colleagues, he found that the pharaoh's body was charred after it was placed in the tomb. "It was probably a chemical reaction of embalming agents with oxygen and the linen cloth in which the corpse was wrapped," Connolly stated.

The mummy was discovered 99 years ago by archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter when he found the entrance to the tomb of legendary Egyptian ruler Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. The discovery sparked a literal frenzy. To this day, it is one of the most visited sites at this extremely rich archaeological site, even though it was actually discovered completely by accident.

The discovery of this tomb is also exceptional in that it has been completely preserved. The thieves obviously didn't find it. The pharaoh lay in three coffins, one of which was made of 1,140 kilograms of gold and the other two of wood covered with gold foil. In addition to the death mask, the pharaoh's mummy itself was adorned with about 150 other gold amulets and jewels.

Another room contained a magnificent cabinet with canopies containing the pharaoh's entrails, over thirty models of ships designedmodels for transport to the next world, several dozen wooden cabinets with equipment for everyday life in the next world, statues and hundreds of other objects.

Sources: www.bbc.com, www.ceskatelevize.cz