In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Nearly intact and filled with treasures, the find ignited global fascination. Decades later, new technologies would probe the boy king’s body and life, sparking scientific debates that continue today.
Discovery and Early Investigations
Carter’s excavation revealed coffins, the iconic golden mask, and a mummy sealed with resins. To remove jewelry, Carter’s team used heat, paraffin, knives, and force, leaving the body dismembered. Later stored in a wooden tray, the mummy became the subject of renewed attention in the early 2000s.
CT Scans and DNA Analysis
In 2005, Zahi Hawass led a CT scan study, examining about 1,700 images of Tut’s remains. Scientists noted a femur fracture and dismissed earlier theories of murder. DNA studies followed in 2010, suggesting Tutankhamun was the son of Akhenaten and his sister, and that he suffered from malaria and bone disease.
Disputes and Ongoing Questions
Scientists raised concerns about DNA contamination, mummy handling, and identity assumptions, challenging the conclusions. Scholars like Salima Ikram and Frank Rühli emphasized caution, noting the limits of interpreting damaged remains. Debates continue, with some calling for new genome analyses and wider data access.
A Tomb Still Visited
Today, visitors to Luxor can stand before Tut’s mummy and explore a detailed replica designed to protect the original tomb. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo draws crowds to view his treasures, including the golden mask. Plans for relocation and further study remain under discussion, as the search for answers continues.
In 1922, Howard Carter found Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, stunning the world.
Decades later, scientists using CT scans and DNA tests uncovered clues about the boy king’s life, injuries, family ties, and mysterious death…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/afqYB0A6eb
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 14, 2025