| Ramesses III Human Mummy | |
| |
| Biographical Information | |
|---|---|
| Name(s) | Ramesses III aka Ramses III aka Usimare Ramesses |
| Age | 62 |
| Sex | male |
| Status | King of Ancient Egypt |
| Height | Unknown |
| Source | |
| Culture | Egyptian |
| Date(s) | 1187-1156 BC |
| Site | Tomb KV11 |
| Current Location | |
| Location | Valley of the Kings |
| Catalog # | |
Ramesses Usermaatre Meryamun was the second ruler of thes Twentieth Dynasty, and the son of Setnakhte and Queen Tiy-merenese. Although little is known of his father, it is believed Ramses III was the grandson of Ramses the Great. He became pharaoh at the death of his father in 1187 BC, and would rule for 31 years. He began his rule by trying to consolidate the Empire, but he soon came under attack, and managed to defend against attacks from Libya and the Sea People, along with other more minor conflicts. He died at Thebes in the 32nd year of his reign and was succeeded by the crown prince Ramses IV. He is considered the last great pharaoh of the New Kingdom period.
Conspiracy[]
Toward the end of Ramses’ reign, one of his secondary wives, Tiy, hatched a plot to kill him with the aim of placing her son, prince Pentawere, on the throne. In a document known as the Harem Conspiracy Papyrus, her role is discussed. Her name is provided in the text, but the other conspirators are called by pseudonyms that indicate the great evil of their crime, such as 'Mesedsure,' meaning "Re hates him".
The coup failed and that the conspirators were successfully brought to trial. At least 40 people were implicated and tried together as a group. All involved were found guilty, including the Queen and her son. They were forced to commit suicide either in prison or in front of the court. It remained unclear from the documents whether Ramses had survived the assassination attempt. The king’s mummy showed no obvious wounds, and questions about his fate were left open for many years. In 2012 researchers announced that a CT scan had revealed a deep knife wound in the mummy’s throat, indicating that Ramses was indeed murdered by the conspirators.
Burial[]
Ramses III was buried in tomb KV11 which is located in the Valley of the Kings. The creation of the tomb was said to have been started up by his father, Setnakhte, but was abandoned. It was then rebuilt for Ramses III.
Pathology[]
Researchers performed a CT scan and discovered a deep cut in his throat which was deep enough to be fatal. Upon discovering the cut they also discovered an amulet lodged in the esophagus. The amulet was believed to possess healing abilities so it was placed in the throat to try and restore the wound.
External Links[]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_III
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KV11
http://www.livescience.com/25647-mummy-murder-mystery-solved.html
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ramessesiii.htm
http://discoveringegypt.com/ancient-egyptian-kings-queens/rameses-iii/