Tutankhamun was born in c1334 BC, possibly at Amarna, the city of his father, Akhenaten (though Tutankhamun’s parentage is hotly disputed). Tutankhamun’s mummy shows that he died when he was approximately 18 years old, but it is not known exactly how he died. Tutankhamun’s body suffered damage at various stages – immediately before or immediately after death; during the curiously hasty mummification process; within the tomb (where a chemical reaction caused it to ignite in its coffin); and while being extracted from the coffin.
Obvious damage to Tutankhamun’s chest and legs suggest an accident – perhaps a chariot or hunting accident, or death on the battlefield. Others have suggested that Tutankhamun may have been murdered.
Today, Tutankhamun is ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh. But how much do you really know about the boy king?
