For years, theories ranged from assassination to curses. Some believed he died in a chariot accident, others pointed to foul play based on bone fragments in his skull.
But over the last two decades, those suspicions have been debunked by advanced imaging and genetic analysis:
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No evidence of head trauma: CT scans in 2005 revealed that the bone fragments in his skull were lodged loosely likely from embalmers or damage during excavation, not murder theguardian.com+15science.org+15nationalgeographic.com+15.
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A broken leg found: The scans also discovered a severe fracture in his left thigh. Resin used during mummification had flowed into the wound, indicating it happened just before death and remained untreated historytools.org+1nationalgeographic.com+1.
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Malaria DNA detected: Next came DNA tests around 2010 showing multiple strains of malaria in his remains. Tiny parasite DNA was found, suggesting he was suffering from repeated malaria infections
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Congenital conditions: King Tut also suffered from clubfoot, scoliosis, and vascular bone necrosis (especially in his foot). These conditions likely required the many canes found in his tomb thetimes.co.uk+15history.com+15theguardian.com+15.
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The final blow: Modern consensus suggests a deadly combination a traumatic leg fracture (probably a fall from a chariot), infection from that injury, and an ongoing battle with malarialed to his untimely death at around 19…