Q:   I've noticed Discovery's web content does not directly mention exactly how King Tut was killed.

So my question is how was King Tut murdered and is the forensic evidence of his murder sufficient to 'narrow the field' of suspects or at least target physical characteristics of the killer?

Daniel
Hong Kong
A:   Daniel, Great question! Hopefully, the fact that we didn't answer the question will motivate you to watch the program on October 6th! I'm not sure when The Assassination of King Tut will play in Hong Kong, but it should be shortly after the U.S. opening!

In every death investigation, consideration must be given to four primary causes of death. First we look at natural events as a possible reason for the death. Second we would look at accidental kinds of deaths. Third, based on the types of evidence discovered in the investigation we must consider suicide, and finally homicide. The program will explore each of these possibilities in some detail.

There is interesting pieces of evidence that would support several theories, but in its totality, we believe that homicide is the most likely scenario. I am hopeful that you enjoy the program and that you continue to explore this most exciting piece of history!

Mike King

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Q:   How was Tut murdered? Is that peice of bone in the back of the head remnents of a fatal blow? Also, how did you narrow the suspects for a murder that was 3000 years old? That brings up sometihng else — how did you figure out Tut WAS murdered?
Spaztic115
A:   Thanks for taking the time to post your question. The piece of bone in the back of his head is really intriguing. Yes, it is possible that the bone is a remnant of a blow, either directly delivered or as the result of falling and striking his head on the ground or some other object.

To narrow the suspects down requires a close examination of the "victimology' or study of King Tut. As we evaluated the level of risk that a Pharoah would be subject to, it became apparent that his "inner-circle" of contact would be the more probable suspects in the case. As we systematically evaluated each of the suspects and considered their individual levels of motivation, means and opportunity, we saw our final suspect "rise to the surface" like cream on freshly obtained milk. We hope you enjoy the show!

Mike King

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Q:   Hi, My name is Elizabeth. I am 9 years old and I have a question about how you solved the case.

Can you use DNA in a 3,000-year-old case like this?

Elizabeth
A:   Elizabeth, Thank you for taking the time to send such a good question. YES! DNA could be used in cases like King Tut. In this kind of investigation it would be very difficult for the DNA information to tell us a lot about how King Tut died, but it could be very helpful in understanding his relationship to other pharaoh's, family associations etc.

Currently, some universities and Egyptologists are attempting to get more DNA information from these ancient citizens, but the Egyptian government is careful about letting people disturb the bodies.

Keep up the good work. You would make a great forensic scientist!

Best wishes,
Mike King

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