1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Scientists: A combination of bone disease and malaria has killed the Egyptian 'boy king' Tutankhamun

01:07

This browser does not support the video element.

Constanze TressFebruary 17, 2010

Some light has been shed on a mystery that's occupied Egyptologists since the opening of King Tutenkamen's tomb by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Tutenkamen assumed the throne at eight, only to die at 19, many theorized at the hands of a murderer. But new DNA testing shows a youth who suffered from extremely weak bones, as well as maladies associated with incest. The actual cause of his death might have been from the effects of malaria on his weakened immune system.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW