The enigma of the pharaoh Hatshepsut: the lost mummy that defied time and revealed secrets of Ancient Egypt

The mummy of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, has been the subject of significant archaeological and forensic investigations. Hatshepsut reigned during the 18th Dynasty (around 1479-1458 BC) and although her tomb and numerous monuments were discovered, it was not immediately possible to identify her mummy. For years, the location of his final resting place remained uncertain.

In the early 20th century, the mummy believed to be that of Hatshepsut was found in the Deir el-Bahari complex in a hidden tomb originally intended for a nobleman. This tomb contained several mummies and one of them was later determined to be that of Hatshepsut.

Hatshepsut’s mummy. (AP / Amr Nabil)

Discovery of Hatshepsut’s mummy

Hatshepsut’s mummy was found in 1903 by Howard Carter at (KV60), in the Valley of the Kings. Carter had discovered two mummies in the tomb. One was in a coffin, the second was lying on the ground. Since the tomb had been looted in ancient times, Carter thought it was of no interest and resealed it.

While all the unidentified mummies were gathered with their right arm crossed over their chest, as a royal posture, for the Egyptian Mummies Project, some were studied with a CT scanner. At the same time, a canopic chest from the Cachette of Deir el-Bahari (DB320) was also scanned that had an inscription dedicated to Hatshepsut and contained her liver.

Identification of the mummy

In the 2000s, forensic scientists and Egyptologists performed advanced DNA testing and analysis of the mummies found in this tomb. Among the mummies was a woman with signs of advanced age, who had a toothless mouth and other features that suggested she could be Hatshepsut. DNA tests confirmed that it was indeed Hatshepsut’s mummy.

Interestingly, Hatshepsut’s mummy was misidentified for many years. It was believed to belong to another royal figure, due to the presence of inscriptions linking it to the 18th Dynasty. However, later studies and comparisons of DNA and physical traits helped confirm the identity.

There was also a tooth inside, a molar with a root; and upon examination it was found to fit exactly into the mouth of one of the royal women.

After the analysis of Hatshepsut’s mummy, it was concluded that she had died at approximately fifty years of age, that she was obese, had diabetes and cancer. The box containing the tooth is also displayed near the mummy.

Cause of death

Although the exact cause of Hatshepsut’s death is still debated, there are indications that she suffered from cancer or other ailments in her later years. CT scans and other tests have revealed that he had signs of bone cancer or another serious illness that may have contributed to his death.

Hatshepsut is believed to have been obese, had diabetes, and died of some form of cancer in her middle age. After his death, his name was expunged from the records in what is believed to have been revenge on his stepson.

The famous British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter worked on the excavation of the Queen’s tomb before discovering King Tut’s tomb in the early 1920s.

Mummy of Queen Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was one of the most prolific construction rulers of ancient Egypt, commissioning hundreds of construction projects throughout Upper and Lower Egypt. Almost every major museum in the world today has a collection of Hatshepsut statues.

“Hatshepsut’s achievements are relevant to us precisely because they were rejected and forgotten, both by her own people and by later authors of history. She was the most formidable and successful woman to ever rule the ancient Western world, and yet today few people can even pronounce her name.

We can never truly know Hatshepsut, but the traces she left teach us what it means to be a woman at the highest levels of power; He transcended patriarchal systems of authority, took on onerous responsibilities for his family, suffered great personal loss, and forged an astonishing journey from circumstances over which he had little control.

— The Woman Who Wanted to Be King, by Kara Cooney (#aff)

Meaning

Hatshepsut’s reign was one of the most successful in Egyptian history and her mummy, although not as famous as others, offers valuable information about her life. The tomb and the funerary practices surrounding it provide additional context to her legacy as one of Egypt’s most powerful and successful rulers.

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Hatshepsut, ca. 1479-1458 BC. C. It is currently located in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Cairo. JE 56264