What Ancient Mystery Has Been Solved Today Thanks To Science

The discovery of the identity of King Tutankhamun's father was a significant breakthrough in our understanding of ancient Egyptian history and the royal lineage of the 18th dynasty. It also shed new light on the relationships between members of the royal family and the political intrigues of the time.

 

The DNA analysis was conducted on several mummies, including Tutankhamun's, using a variety of sophisticated techniques. The researchers were able to extract and analyze genetic material from the mummies' bones and teeth, and compare the results with each other to determine familial relationships.

 

The analysis revealed that Tutankhamun's mother was likely a woman known as the "Younger Lady," whose mummy had been discovered in the tomb of Amenhotep II in the Valley of the Kings. The identity of Tutankhamun's father was determined to be a previously unidentified mummy referred to as KV55, which was found in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1907.

 

Further research has suggested that KV55 was most likely the brother of Akhenaten, whose reign was marked by religious and cultural upheaval, including the introduction of a new monotheistic religion centered on the worship of the god Aten. The discovery of the identity of Tutankhamun's father has helped to clarify the complex relationships between members of the royal family during this tumultuous period in ancient Egyptian history.

 

In addition to shedding light on the identity of Tutankhamun's parents, the DNA analysis has also provided valuable insights into the health and genetic characteristics of the ancient Egyptians. The analysis revealed that several of the mummies had suffered from genetic disorders and other health issues, providing new evidence about the prevalence of these conditions in ancient Egypt.