What Famous Historical Figures Actually Looked Like

Published on 07/24/2019
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The images of well-known historical figures are immortalized in paintings, sculptures, and portraits. However, there is a possibility these works of art are not that accurate since those who commissioned them might have ordered artists to enhance the physical attributes of the subject. We can now see what historical figures really looked like because of modern technology. Keep reading to see the real appearances of some famous historical figures.

King Tut

King Tutankhamun is an Egyptian pharaoh who reigned between 1332 and 1323 BC in Egypt’s New Kingdom era. King Tut’s tomb, which had been sealed for over 3,200 years, was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Completely intact, the tomb contained treasures and artifacts meant to accompany King Tut in the afterlife. The young pharaoh only reigned for about ten years before passing away, and scientists discovered some things that had contributed to his death when they found out what King Tut really looked like.

King Tut

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What King Tut Really Looked Like

DNA studies carried out on the young pharaoh’s mummy revealed he had several health problems that contributed to his death. King Tut was tall but he had a bone disorder and was quite frail. He had bouts of malaria, and his broken leg was infected when he died. Evidence suggests the young pharaoh had a club foot, which is a disadvantage of inbreeding (traditionally done at the time; his parents were siblings). These revelations could explain some aspects of King Tut’s life and why he is the only pharaoh pictured doing everything while sitting down, including archery.

What King Tut Really Looked Like

What King Tut Really Looked Like

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