3,000-year-old condom found in tomb of famous ancient Egyptian king

When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was first discovered and excavated in 1922, American archaeologist Howard Carter was stunned by the trove of countless valuable objects. Among the precious objects made of gold, silver, ebony and ivory, one object in particular caught the archaeologists’ attention: a condom-like object made of linen that contained the king’s own DNA. This discovery not only surprised researchers, but also raised many new questions about the life and culture of the ancient Egyptians.

King Tutankhamun. Illustrative photo.

Discovery and historical significance

King Tutankhamun. Reconstructed image.

King Tutankhamun’s tomb contained more than 5,000 objects made from a variety of valuable materials, including gold, silver, ebony, and ivory. These objects were intricately crafted and symbolized the opulence and power of this famous pharaoh. Among thousands of objects, one small linen object particularly caught the attention of experts. This 3,000-year-old object, designed in a similar way to modern condoms, contained King Tutankhamun’s DNA, indicating that it was an essential item that accompanied the pharaoh into the afterlife.

Description and meaning of the old condom

Condoms found in King Tut’s tomb (Photo: Cairo Museum).

King Tutankhamun’s condom was made of fine linen soaked in olive oil and tied around the waist with string. It is believed to have been “made” around 1350 BC and is considered the oldest surviving condom in the world. In addition, the tomb contained the remains of two fetuses, and DNA testing confirmed that King Tutankhamun was their biological father. If this condom had been used for contraceptive purposes rather than for ritual or disease prevention purposes, it probably would not have been very effective.

Ancient contraceptive methods and medical advances

Tourists from all over the world come to admire the numerous antiquities from the king’s tomb, which are on display in the Cairo museum.

The ancient Egyptians used a variety of contraceptive methods. One method involved mixing crocodile dung and other ingredients to create a contraceptive ring. The Egyptians believed that the alkaline properties of crocodile dung could “destroy” sperm. Egypt may have been one of the first civilizations to invent and use condoms. In contrast, the ancient Romans used condoms made from animal intestines or bladders, while the ancient Chinese invented oiled tissue paper. Medieval Muslim and Jewish cultures even used tar or onion juice to coat male genitals for contraceptive purposes.

History and development of condoms

The life and death of King Tut remain a mystery to posterity.

The first recorded outbreak of a sexually transmitted disease, syphilis, occurred in the French army in the 15th century. This event increased the need for protective measures against disease, leading to the use of linen sheets soaked in chemical solutions. During the Renaissance, condoms made from animal intestines or bladders were common. The modern condom emerged in the early 19th century, when rubber companies began mass-producing them in 1850.

Tutankhamun, Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1567-1202 BC), died around 1352 BC at less than 18 years old. Despite having ruled for only nine years, his death remains a mystery to this day. The discovery of a 3,000-year-old condom in King Tutankhamun’s tomb not only provides new insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient Egyptians, but also sheds light on the medical advancements and ingenuity of the people of that time. The rare artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, on display at the Cairo Museum in Egypt, continue to attract visitors from around the world, helping them understand the life of this young king and the development of ancient civilizations.