Two fetuses discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb are highly probable to be twins and the offspring of the adolescent Pharaoh, as per Professor Robert Connolly, an anatomist collaborating with Egyptian authorities to examine Tutankhamun’s mummified remains along with the two stillborn infants. He is set to present his latest discoveries at the Pharmacy and Medicine in Ancient Egypt Conference held at the University of Manchester today.
One of the mummified fetuses (on the right) discovered in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb alongside golden treasures.
Professor Connolly stated, “The two fetuses in Tutankhamun’s tomb could potentially be twins despite their significant size difference, suggesting a more cohesive narrative of a single pregnancy for his young wife. This significantly raises the probability of them being Tutankhamun’s offspring.
“In 1979, I conducted a study on one of the mummies, the larger one, and determined the blood group data from this baby mummy. I then compared it with my 1969 blood grouping of Tutankhamun. The results verified that this larger fetus could indeed be Tutankhamun’s daughter. Now, our belief is that they are twins and both were his children.”
Tutankhamun, born in 1341 BC, passed away within a decade of ascending the throne at the age of eight or nine.
His historical importance lies in his opposition to the religious reforms implemented by his predecessor Akenhaten, who attempted to enforce the worship of the god Aten upon the Egyptians.
The familial lineage of the young king has remained a subject of intrigue for experts.
British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the mummified fetuses during his exploration of the Pharaoh’s tomb in 1922.
Numerous scholars propose that Ankhesenamun, the sole known wife of the young pharaoh, is the likely mother of the fetuses. Nonetheless, certain scientists have theorized that the fetuses might have been interred in King Tut’s tomb to enable him to ‘reincarnate as a newborn in the afterlife.’
The conference, attended by over 100 delegates from ten countries, includes participants such as the Director of the Cultural Bureau of the Egyptian Embassy in the UK and researchers from Egypt’s Conservation of Medicinal Plants project in Sinai and the British Museum.
The inaugural international conference aiming to unite two aspects of ancient Egyptian healthcare practices—pharmacy and medicine—will feature discussions on the enduring relevance of 70% of pharmaceutical ingredients used by the ancient Egyptians. Researchers, including Professor Rosalie David’s team and Professor Mohamed Demerdash, have scrutinized prescriptions on papyrus, offering insights into the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments.
Professor David highlighted, “Our work indicates that the ancient Egyptians were pioneers in developing pharmacy, predating the Greeks. These were not mere magic spells but actual pharmaceutical products, some of which continue to be used in modern times.”
Keynote speakers at the conference will explore topics such as surviving craniofacial trauma, cerebral palsy, dentistry, and diet in ancient Egypt.