Computed Tomography Study of the Feet of Mummy of Ramesses III: New Insights on the Harem Conspiracy.

OBJECTIVE: A previous study of the computed tomography (CT) of the neck of mummified Ramesses III (1190-1070 BC) suggested that an assailant slit the Pharaoh's throat with a knife in the plot known as Harem conspiracy. We hypothesized the presence of other injuries in the Pharaoh's body as a result of this fatal attack.

METHODS: We analyzed CT images of mummified Ramesses III and reported any finding suggestive of trauma in correlation with archeologic literature.

RESULTS: Computed tomographic images show partially amputated left big toe. The bony edges are sharp without signs of attempted healing. The ancient embalmers replaced the missing toe with a linen-made prosthesis and placed 6 metallic amulets (eye of Horus) at the feet region.

CONCLUSIONS: The Pharaoh's left big toe was likely chopped perimortem by an assailant using a heavy sharp instrument as an ax. This additional injury supports the plot and gives more information about the death scene.