‘Virtual autopsy’ of Tutankhamun raises doubts over his alleged chariot crash death
It is unlikely that Tutankhamun died in a chariot crash, as was previously thought, because he had a clubbed foot that would have prevented him from riding in one in the first place
A series of more than 2,000 CT scans of Tutankhamun’s mummified remains allowed historians to analyse a life-size image of the boy king. The scans show that as well as having a clubbed foot, the boy king also had buck teeth and ‘girlish’ hips.
Because of his clubbed foot, it is highly unlikely that the pharaoh was ever able to ride in a chariot. The deformity made even the most simple of movements difficult, and he probably had to use a cane when walking.
Researchers also carried out genetic analysis, which suggests that Tutankhamun’s mother and father were brother and sister. The ‘autopsy’ was conducted by researchers working on the BBC One documentary Tutankhamun: The Truth Discovered, which is due to air on Sunday 26 October.
To read The Independent article, click here.
Last surviving ship of the battle of Jutland to undergo £11.5 million restoration
The sole survivor of the First World War battle of Jutland is to be transformed into a tourist attraction.
HMS Caroline, situated in Belfast harbour, will open to the public on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the clash in 2016. The attraction will chart the various roles undertaken by the ship during its time in service. Parts of the ship, including the living quarters, engine rooms and instruments on the bridge, have remained unchanged since 1916.
The transformation will be made possible by a £11.5 million grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Mosaic discovery sheds new light on Greek tomb
A mosaic thought to depict the abduction of Persephone has been discovered at a 2,300-year-old tomb in northern Greece.
The inhabitant of the tomb, at the site of the ancient city Amphipolis, has remained a mystery since its discovery in 2012. However, archaeologists believe that the detailed mosaic, which shows a woman with fiery red hair and a long white robe, suggests the inhabitant was extremely important. The political symbolism of such an image could indicate a link between the deceased and Alexander the Great.
To read the National Geographic article, click here.
Roman artefacts uncovered at WW2 bomber command site
Roman plates, pottery and collapsed wall sections have been discovered at the site of the Second World War Lincolnshire bomber command, indicating that a small Roman community could have once lived there.
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The artefacts were uncovered during excavations for redevelopment of the site. Archaeologists dug trenches in an effort to find artefacts, and are inviting anyone with an interest in archaeology to help uncover more. An open day is planned for 29 October.
To read the Lincolnshire Echo article, click here.
14th-century shopping list found in Russia
A shopping list written in 14th-century Russia has been discovered at Veliky Novgorod, one of the nation’s most important historical sites.
The scroll on which the list was written is made from the bark of a birch tree. The Old Novgorod writing translates to: “Send me a shirt, towel, trousers, reins, and, for my sister, send fabric.”
It is believed that the author is a man named Onus, writing to his son Danilo. The scroll ends with: “If I am alive, I will pay for it.”
To read the History News Network article, click here.
Stories compiled by Ryan Davies
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