2012/12/14 by Zahi Hawass, Somaia Ismail, Ashraf Selim +11 · 7 citations
Arts and Humanities · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Psychology · Medicine · #Paleopathology and ancient diseases #Ancient Egypt and Archaeology #Cold Fusion and Nuclear Reactions #Harem #Forensic science #Radiological weapon #Forensic anthropology #History #Psychology #Criminology #Medicine #Archaeology #Surgery
paper · doi:10.1136/bmj.e8268
openalex publication_date 2012/12/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the true character of the harem conspiracy described in the Judicial Papyrus of Turin and determine whether Ramesses III was indeed killed. DESIGN: Anthropological, forensic, radiological, and genetic study of the mummies of Ramesses III and unknown man E, found together and taken from the 20th dynasty of ancient Egypt (circa 1190-1070 BC). RESULTS: Computed tomography scans revealed a deep cut in Ramesses III's throat, probably made by a sharp knife. During the mummification process, a Horus eye amulet was inserted in the wound for healing purposes, and the neck was covered by a collar of thick linen layers. Forensic examination of unknown man E showed compressed skin folds around his neck and a thoracic inflation. Unknown man E also had an unusual mummification procedure. According to genetic analyses, both mummies had identical haplotypes of the Y chromosome and a common male lineage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Ramesses III was murdered during the harem conspiracy by the cutting of his throat. Unknown man E is a possible candidate as Ramesses III's son Pentawere.