Tut's Treasures: Hidden Secrets

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 made headlines across the world sparking a global frenzy for Ancient Egypt. But over the decades since the find, many of the pharaoh's priceless grave goods have disappeared into museum basements and

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 made headlines across the world sparking a global frenzy for Ancient Egypt. But over the decades since the find, many of the pharaoh's priceless grave goods have disappeared into museum basements and

Of the 5,398 treasures from Tutankhamuns tomb at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the ones that paint a picture of Tutankhamuns family are the most unsettling. Particularly intriguing are two tiny mummified babies. Now in the labs of the museum, they give a chilling insight into the bizarre practices that kept the Pharaohs dynasty in power and ultimately lead to its downfall. DNA analysis reveals the foetuses are Tutankhamuns stillborn children the offspring of an incestuous relationship between Tutankhamun and his sister. Similarly, DNA evidence suggests Tutankhamun was also the result of incest. Artefacts hidden for years in museum basements hint that he suffered genetic abnormalities and lived in constant pain. Whilst the wear and tear on beautifully crafted walking sticks suggest he needed support for even simple tasks like walking. Could Tutankhamuns disability and the death of his unborn children be related? But Tutankhamun and his royal family werent just afflicted by inbreeding he also inherit...