King Tutankhamun most likely died of genetic impairments

A 'virtual autopsy' of King Tutankhamun has revealed that he died as a result of genetic impairments which weakened his body, rather than a chariot crash, as has previously been suggested.

The autopsy, which composed of more than 2,000 computer scans, was carried out alongside a genetic analysis of Tutankhamun's family, which supports evidence his parents were brother and sister, the Independent reported.

According to the virtual scans, only one of the breaks occurred before he died, while fractures in his skull and other parts of his skeleton were made after the boy king was already dead - leading scientists to believe he may have succumbed to an inherited illness.

Professor Albert Zink, head of the Institute for Mummies and Icemen in Italy, said that he was confident King Tutankhamum did not die as a result of a chariot accident and it was important to look at his ability to ride on a chariot and we concluded it would not be possible for him, especially with his partially clubbed foot, as he was unable to stand unaided.

He said that they need further genetic analysis because that would give us more insight into his conditions and the boy king's death was most likely caused from his being in a weakened state as a result of genetic impairments inherited from his brother and sister parents.

Zink added that on the other hand he suffered from malaria so it is difficult to say whether that may have been a serious factor in the cause of death.

The revelations are made in BBC One documentary Tutankhamun: The Truth Uncovered, which will air next Sunday.