The Murder of Tutankhamen: A True Story of Royal Intrigue and Revenge

Introduction

In 1922, the world was captivated by the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb, filled with an astonishing array of treasures. But behind the splendor of the pharaoh's burial lay a dark secret: Tutankhamen had been murdered.

The Evidence

In his groundbreaking book, Bob Brier presents a compelling case for the murder of Tutankhamen. He draws on a wealth of evidence, including:

• The location of Tutankhamen's tomb: The tomb is located in the Valley of the Kings, but it is not in the main burial chamber. Instead, it is in a small, inconspicuous tomb that was clearly not intended for a pharaoh.
• The condition of Tutankhamen's body: Tutankhamen's body was found in a state of disarray, with his head and limbs detached from his torso. His skull was also fractured, suggesting that he had been struck with a blunt object.
• The presence of grave goods: The grave goods in Tutankhamen's tomb were not typical of a pharaoh's burial. They included a number of items that were associated with war and violence, such as weapons and chariots.

The Suspects

Brier identifies several suspects in the murder of Tutankhamen, including:

• Ay, the vizier: Ay was Tutankhamen's closest advisor and the most powerful man in Egypt after the pharaoh. He had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to kill Tutankhamen.
• Horemheb, the general: Horemheb was a military leader who eventually became pharaoh after Tutankhamen's death. He had a reputation for ruthlessness and was known to be ambitious.
• Ankhesenamun, Tutankhamen's wife: Ankhesenamun was married to Tutankhamen for only a few years before his death. She may have been unhappy in her marriage and could have had a motive to kill her husband.

The Motive

Brier believes that the motive for Tutankhamen's murder was political. Tutankhamen was a weak and ineffectual pharaoh who was controlled by his advisors. His death allowed Ay to take power and become pharaoh himself.

The Conclusion

Brier concludes that Tutankhamen was murdered by a group of conspirators, including Ay, Horemheb, and Ankhesenamun. The murder was a carefully planned and executed plot that resulted in the death of a young pharaoh and the rise of a new dynasty.

Why You Should Read This Book

The Murder of Tutankhamen is a fascinating and well-written book that sheds new light on one of the most famous mysteries in history. Brier's meticulous research and compelling arguments make a strong case for the murder of Tutankhamen. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Egypt, archaeology, or true crime.