Tutankhamun's Stone Sarcophagus

Solid Gold Inner Coffin

Second Coffin -
Wood with gold covering

Modern Reconstruction of Tutankhamun
2005

These images are of a modern sculpture based on a data from a CT-scan of Tut's mummy taken 5 Jan. 2005 in his tomb. CT scanning is typically used for medical diagnoses but can be used to produce three-dimensional images of anything the scanner can penetrate. In this case a plastic reconstruction of the skull was made from the CT-scan data using computer controlled machine tools by forensic anthropologist Jean-Noël Vignal of the Centre Technique de la Gendarmerie Nationale. Vignal created a rough plastic skull, which was then passed along to a leading forensic sculptor, Paris-based Elisabeth Daynès. She applied an artistic touch and created a lifelike clay face meant to depict Tut on the day of his death. In addition to Vignal's scientific survey, Daynès referred to two wooden sculptures of Tutankhamun, which had been created during his lifetime. The combined sources allowed her to flesh out details such as eyebrow thickness, nose and lip shape, and the approximate shape of Tut's ears. Skin tone was based on the average shade of modern Egyptians.She used this clay model to produce a life-like plaster cast with a silicone 'skin'. She inserted glass eyes and added hair and eyelashes.

From the CT-scan data scientists now confirm that Tut's early death was at age 19. He was approximately 170 cm tall, with a slightly built physique. Tut was well-nourished, and there are no signs of infectious diseases during his childhood. They also found Tutankhamen’s genitalia loose in the sand around the king’s body. These had been reported missing in a 1968 examination, but were found with other missing parts, such as a thumb, other digits and pieces of vertebrae, in the CT scan.

The results of the analysis of the scan revealed that the king had not been murdered. The original theory of murder developed after scientists noted early last century what looked like a crush wound to the back of Tutankhamen’s skull, suggesting he may have suffered a blow to the head. “We found out that for the blow to the back of the head, there is no indication that this is murder. It is a mummification hole,”

Currently, the king’s mummy actually has no chest. The sternum and a large percentage of the front ribs are missing. The bones are clean cut, however, and since Carter’s team makes no mention of missing ribs, scientists believe they removed it in order to collect the artifacts present.

The report noted a fracture of the left thighbone, which appeared to be different from the breaks believed to have been caused by Carter’s team. Scientists reached their conclusion after detecting two layers of embalming liquid inside the bone. The break could have happened during embalmment, or within days of Tutankhamen’s death.

The apparent cause of Tut's death was a blow to his knees, both were broken, and one knee-cap was missing. Signs of serious infection were apparent in the CT-scan. This injury could have been caused by an accident (e.g. a fall from a chariot) or from an injury during a battle. It is unlikely way to murder someone, since the victim is likely to live up-to a week and is likely to tell who attacked him. If the limbs are not amputated the victim dies of an infection spread in the blood stream.

King Tut in his Tomb
as he is displayed today.

Gold Shrine

Funerary Bed
Probably used in Tut's
Funeral Services

Tut's Throne

Top of one of Tut's Canopic Jars

Vulture Pendant Necklace