Q:   Hello!! I can't wait for the The Assassination of King Tut documentary to come on! I've been counting the days! I have 2 questions:

1) How can you do DNA testing if salt was used to dry out the body and the organs were removed?
2) What will scientists do if and when they find out who killed King Tut?

Amina
A:   Amina, What a great questions! First, we didn't use DNA in this investigation so I will have to avoid that question. DNA is most helpful in linking samples — one to another. We didn't need that for what we were doing, and the Egyptian government is less than willing to allow further testing of Tut's corpse.

Second — what will we do with the findings? Well, we can find some peace in knowing that justice was finally brought to the victim of this case — King Tut. We can also feel good knowing that the same principles that are in use today by police investigators can in fact solve old cases.

To families who have lost loved ones, 5, 10, 25 years ago and the case has gone unsolved, this program might bring them hope that one day, their case might be solved as well.

Thank you for taking the time to email!
Mike King

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Q:   Hi, I am 14 years old and ever since I got a book about King Tut a while back, I've always been very much interested in King Tut's story. I was wondering about how the scientists evaluated and determined the actual appearance of King Tut.

I've been curious about how you, or whoever found this out, came to the conclusion that Ankhesanamum was not the one who had problems in giving birth and that it was Tut who was to be blamed.

Another thing I'd like to know is how old his wife was.

Thank you,
Sadia
New York
A:   Sadia, These are very good questions. First, Ankesenamun was three years older than Tut. We think they were married when Tut was 11 or 12 and that would make Ankesenamun 14 or 15. We excluded Ankesenamun as a suspect after evaluating the many drawings, writings and carvings which showed the two as a loving couple. Further, evidence showed that one of the infants mummified in the tomb was their child as well. We cannot conclude without question who might have been responsible for the children not being delivered full-term, but we can speculate that since they were 1/2 brother and sister they may have been incompatible as parents.

In regard to building the face of Tut, it is a remarkable scientific feat! First, exact duplication of Tut's skull was made by examining and measuring every part of Tut's actual skull. Once the skull was created in the United States, it was flown to London where Dr. Richards began evaluating how much fatty tissue, cartilage, and skin makeup would be needed to match the diet, environment and averages of Egyptian males.

I hope this answers your questions and thank you. I hope you enjoyed the program!
Mike King

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