Can archaeologists actually find out how Tutankhamun really died? Nevine El-Aref reports When British explorer Howard Carter stumbled upon the magnificent treasures in Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, the entire world agreed that it was the most splendiferous discovery ever unearthed. Over time, however, the find produced more than lustrous treasures. Archaeologists were perplexed by questions like: Who was Tutankhamun? Was he the son or the brother of the monotheistic Pharaoh Akhnaten? Why did his tomb contain all these treasures, despite his having died so young? How, in any case, did he actually die? Was he killed at 18 years of age, or did he suffer from some fatal disease? Eighty-two years later, some of these mysteries may be resolved, now that Tutankhamun's mummy will soon be subjected to a CT scan. For the first time since it was discovered, the mummy will be given an intense medical check-up, in the hope that something will be learnt about the secret behind the boy king's early death, said Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) Secretary-General Zahi Hawass. The tests will also determine if he had been suffering from disease. The original plan was to remove the mummy from its burial grounds in Luxor's Valley of the Kings to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Because of the mummy's fragility, however, the medical check-up and studies will now be executed in situ. Carter's attempts to remove the famous golden painted mask from the mummy's face were the main cause of its deterioration. He smashed it with a sharp tool, and then allowed it to burn under the area's hot sun in order to detach it. Eight years ago, a Tut enthusiast hired two retired Scotland Yard detectives to investigate the cause of the boy king's death. After exploring Ancient Egyptian sources, the duo was unable to come to any conclusions. Four years ago, a Japanese mission offered to conduct a DNA analysis on Tutankhamun's mummy in an attempt to learn more about his lineage; the SCA rejected the request on the grounds that it represented a threat to the mummy's fragile condition, and would -- in any case -- prove futile. This week, Hawass again said DNA analysis was out of question because it would not lead to anything. Next month's probe into Tutankhamun's mummy will be filmed by IMAX, the world- famous wide screen film company. The resulting movie will be screened at the Egyptian Museum as well as at the visitor centre scheduled to be built at the entrance of the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's west bank. Culture Minister Farouk Hosni said the project was one of many being planned to study Pharaonic mummies and learn more about their secrets.
