Chapter discovering-tut-the-saga-continues: Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues | Short Questions

In 1968, an anatomy professor X-rayed the mummy and discovered a shocking fact: Tut’s breastbone and front ribs were missing. This discovery suggested that his death might not have been from natural causes. Before this, people mostly focused on the gold and treasures of the tomb. The X-ray shifted the focus to a possible medical or criminal mystery, leading people to speculate that the young king might have been murdered or suffered a severe physical trauma that was previously unknown to archaeologists.

Tut was buried with 'everyday things' he would want in the afterlife, including board games, a bronze razor, linen undergarments, and cases of food and wine. He was also covered in gold, including a stunning funeral mask and jewelry. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the soul would need these physical objects and wealth. By providing these items, they ensured that the pharaoh would continue to live in luxury and have everything he needed even after his earthly life ended.

The author uses the term 'wacky' to describe the unconventional and radical changes made by Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). He broke centuries of Egyptian tradition by banning the worship of the popular god Amun and forcing everyone to worship the sun disk, Aten. He even destroyed Amun's temples and moved the capital to a brand-new city. These actions were so extreme and sudden that they shocked the nation. His reign was seen as a period of strange, erratic behavior that nearly destroyed the stability of the Egyptian empire.

The atmosphere was eerie and filled with tension. The weather turned stormy, with dark clouds covering the stars and an 'angry wind' whipping up dust. This natural unrest felt like a bad omen to many. Tourists stood in silence, reflecting on the king's untimely death or the legendary curse. The scene was a mix of modern scientific activity and ancient, haunting mystery. It felt as if nature itself was reacting to the disturbance of a king who had been resting in peace for over 3,000 years.

The CT scan ultimately showed that there was no 'curse' causing permanent damage. Despite the initial failure of the scanner’s fan due to sand, the scan was completed successfully using backup equipment. The images revealed that the mummy was still largely intact, with the spine, skull, and rib cage clearly visible in digital form. Zahi Hawass expressed great relief, noting that nothing had gone seriously wrong. The scan proved that technology could study the past safely, and it allowed Tut to be returned to his tomb without further incident.