Foetuses the key to unlocking Tutankhamun family tree: 17-10-2008
Chief Egyptologist Zahi Hawass has been writing about how the two foetuses found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun could unlock a mystery that has baffled scientists for decades.
If the foetuses are indeed Tut's children, DNA testing will be able to help scientists identify the mummy of their mother, as well as their grandmother from a number of unidentified females.
Dr Hawass explained the strange story of Tut's discovery while writing in Al Ahram.
He wrote of how Howard Carter and his team discovered the mummy, along with both foetuses in November 1925.
Carter and his accomplices attempted to melt the resin that fixed Tut's mask to his face, but proceeded to damage the mummy.
Strangely, they opted to leave the mummy in the laboratory they had set up inside the tomb of Seti II, despite every other identified mummy being removed from the valley.
Mystery still surrounds the fallen king and his family and Dr Hawass is keen to unravel it.
"The story behind the family members of King Tut will be very exciting to uncover for the first time," he wrote
"To discover if his father was Amenhotep III, also known as Akhenaten, will be a great achievement by the Egyptian Mummy Project."
Find out about our tailor made holidays to Egypt
Order our Brochure for North Africa & Arabia
Audley Travel are specialists in tailor-made individual itineraries for discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences around the world.
See Itinerary Ideas
Itineraries that include Egypt
More Ideas