Question

(i) List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as “wacky”.
(ii) What were the results of the CT scan?
(iii) List the advances in technology that have improved forensic analysis.
(iv) Explain the statement, “King Tut is one of the first mummies to be scanned — in death, as in life...”

Answer 1

Answer (i):

• Ray Johnson described Akhenaten as “wacky” due to his unconventional behavior and the changes he introduced in Egypt.
• Akhenaten introduced radical religious reforms by replacing the traditional polytheistic belief with the worship of a single god, Aten (the sun disk).
• He built a new city, Akhetaten, which was isolated and far from the traditional power center of Thebes, making it a bizarre and unprecedented move.
• His physical appearance, as depicted in sculptures, was unusual and alien-like, contributing to his eccentric image.
• Akhenaten’s deviation from established norms and his obsession with Aten led many to view him as a revolutionary figure, but one whose actions seemed odd and strange in the historical context of Egypt.

Answer (ii):

• The CT scan of King Tut revealed new information about his death and health, providing insights that were previously unknown.
• The scan showed that King Tut had a number of physical ailments, including a clubbed foot, which made it difficult for him to walk without assistance.
• It also revealed that he had a cleft palate and scoliosis (spinal curvature), which could have caused physical pain or discomfort during his lifetime.
• The CT scan also indicated that King Tut’s death might have been caused by an infection resulting from a broken leg, which became fatal due to the lack of modern medical treatment.
• The results of the scan allowed for a more accurate reconstruction of the young pharaoh’s life and health, adding depth to historical accounts of his reign.

Answer (iii):

• CT Scans (Computed Tomography): CT scans are non-invasive and have allowed researchers to examine mummies and remains without unwrapping or disturbing them, providing detailed internal views.
• DNA Analysis: Advances in DNA technology have enabled the extraction and analysis of genetic material from ancient remains, providing information about lineage, health, and cause of death.
• X-ray and Radiography: These technologies are used to view bones, teeth, and other skeletal features, helping to identify physical abnormalities and evidence of trauma.
• 3D Imaging and Reconstruction: The use of 3D imaging has allowed scientists to reconstruct the faces and bodies of ancient mummies and individuals, offering a realistic depiction of their appearance.
• Forensic Anthropology: This field has advanced with more sophisticated methods for identifying remains, determining age, sex, and cause of death from skeletal remains.
• Isotope Analysis: Stable isotope analysis can reveal the diet, geographic origin, and lifestyle of individuals based on the chemical composition of their bones and teeth.
• Radiocarbon Dating: This technique helps in dating ancient organic materials, allowing archaeologists to determine the age of mummies and artifacts with greater accuracy.

Answer (iv):

• The statement refers to the fact that King Tutankhamun’s body was among the first to undergo modern medical scanning techniques like the CT scan, which was groundbreaking for forensic science in archaeology.
• In life, King Tut was considered one of the most famous and significant figures in ancient Egyptian history, with his tomb and treasures drawing widespread attention. His mummy continues to captivate researchers and the public alike.
• In death, the CT scan allowed scientists to “scan” King Tut’s body to reveal hidden details about his health, lifestyle, and cause of death, thus providing new insights into his life and death.
• The phrase "in death, as in life" reflects the continuous fascination with King Tut, both as a living ruler and as a figure whose mummified remains continue to yield valuable scientific data.