Was Egyptian 'God' Murdered?

Mummy of Ramesses III (BMJ)

Ramsesses III, an Egyptian “Great God,” may have been murdered, found an investigation into the Judicial Papyrus of Turin.

The alleged murder took place between the 20th dynasty of ancient Egypt (circa 1190 – 1070 BC)

Members of Ramsesses III’s harem attempted to both kill him and overthrow him in the year 1155 BC and may have actually succeeded in the murder, according to researchers.

If they did they likely cut his throat.

Chief conspirators included queen Tiy, a part of the harem, and her son Prince Pentawere.

There is unreliable evidence that a murder happened but all of the research is through deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics.

From the researchers ( a group of professors and biologists):

“The ancient documents refer to Ramesses III as “the Great God,” and imply that he had died before or during the trials. However, the texts also imply that the court received direct instructions from the king, who must therefore have survived the original attack.1 The only line specifically interpreted by Egyptologists as a possible metaphor for an assassination is the “overturning of the royal bark.”2 Such circumlocution regarding the cause of a king’s death has long been considered to be part of the protocol of ancient Egyptian literature.”

Scholars have proposed theories of what was behind the phaoroah’s death, ranging from an injury from the attempted coup then a later death, to the attempted overthrow being successful.

So a group of scientists decided to investigate what happened more thoroughly.

Analysis

Methods used include computer scans and forensic analysis of the mummies’ ages and possible causes of death. The mummies studied were Ramsesses III and one that may be the prince.

Additionally, bone samples were taken from different areas of the mummies, including the iliac bone, and then transferred into sterible tubes; meanwhile, scientists extracted DNA and typed it trying to establish evidence under criteria for ancient DNA authentication.

Results

Indeed, a “serious wound” in the throat of Ramsesses III’s mummy was discovered, directly under the larynx. Roughly 70 mm wide, it had severed all soft tissue areas in the antierior side of the nexk. The trachea was cut, too. 

(CT scetion image) (BMJ)

The mummy was found to have been wearing the Eye of Horus, a magical amulet that depicted royal power, protection, and good health in ancient Egypt.

The unknown mummy thought to be the prince was found wrapped in goat skin, signaling he was regarded as impure.

(BMJ)

The arrows point to “unusual compressed skin folds and wrinkles.” 

Through the methods including DNA typing the mummies were found to likely be father-son. So the second mummy was the prince. 

The researchers think that Ramessess III was murdered because of what they found, including the throat wound and the fact the Horus amulet was lodged into the mummy’s throat, suggesting it had happened before embalment.

“This study gives clues to the authenticity of the historically described harem conspiracy surrounding Ramesses III, and finally reveals its tragic outcome. Our CT analysis provides evidence that conspirators killed Ramesses III by cutting his throat. “

The goat skin wrappings may have indicated pubishment for the prince after murder. But the researchers can’t figure out how the prince himself died, only that he had an inflated thorax and inflated skinfolds around the neck, suggesting a gruesome end.