The mummy of Pharaoh Thutmose IV was unearthed in 1898 by French Egyptologist Victor Loret within the renowned tomb cache of KV35, located in the Valley of the Kings. This discovery was part of a larger find that included multiple royal mummies, many of which had been relocated by ancient priests to protect them from tomb robbers. The priests, recognizing the increasing threat of looting during the later periods of Egypt’s history, sought to preserve the sacred remains of their rulers by moving them to a hidden chamber where they would remain undisturbed.
Thutmose IV had originally been entombed in his own burial site, KV43, a tomb that was later uncovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1903. However, by the time of its rediscovery, the king’s body was no longer present in its original resting place, having been transferred centuries earlier for protection. The mummy was rewrapped in its original bandages, a practice often undertaken by ancient priests during the process of relocating royal remains. Despite efforts to maintain the integrity of the body, Thutmose IV’s feet had been broken off, though they were not lost.
The physical examination of the mummy was conducted by renowned Australian-born British anatomist Grafton Elliot Smith (1871–1937), who played a key role in studying many of Egypt’s most famous royal mummies. Upon detailed analysis, Smith concluded that Thutmose IV had suffered from a severe illness leading up to his death. His findings suggested that the pharaoh had endured a prolonged period of sickness, which left him in a significantly weakened state. Smith’s somber description of Thutmose IV as “extremely emaciated” painted a grim picture of the ruler’s final days, indicating that his health had deteriorated considerably before his passing.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Thutmose IV’s mummy was the discovery of distinct physical characteristics that set him apart from other pharaohs of his time. His body showed clear signs of balding, a feature not commonly recorded in the depictions of Egyptian rulers. Moreover, his mummy was the earliest known example of an Egyptian pharaoh having pierced ears, an attribute that may have held cultural or symbolic significance. Additionally, the state of his fingernails, which were found to be well-manicured, suggested a degree of personal grooming and care even in death. His hands were carefully positioned across his chest in what is known as the Osirian pose—a traditional placement meant to evoke the god Osiris, the deity of the afterlife, resurrection, and renewal.
The practice of crossing the arms over the chest became a prominent feature in the burial customs of later pharaohs, though it was not always consistent among all rulers. This positioning was a deliberate choice meant to symbolize the deceased’s association with Osiris, reinforcing their divine transformation in the afterlife. Thutmose IV’s carefully arranged hands, along with other aspects of his burial treatment, emphasized his continued importance in the spiritual realm, even after death.
The broader historical significance of Thutmose IV extends beyond his physical remains. He was the eighth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, ruling in the 14th century BCE. His reign, though not as extensively documented as that of his father, Amenhotep II, or his son, Amenhotep III, played a pivotal role in Egyptian history. Thutmose IV is often remembered for commissioning the Dream Stele, an inscription located between the paws of the Great Sphinx of Giza. According to this text, Thutmose IV had a prophetic dream in which the Sphinx promised him kingship if he would remove the sand burying its body. This narrative served to legitimize his rule, suggesting that he had been divinely chosen to lead Egypt.
Although his reign was relatively short, Thutmose IV made notable contributions to Egypt’s political and religious landscape. He is credited with maintaining stability in the region and fostering diplomatic relations with neighboring powers, particularly through alliances with the Mitanni, a powerful kingdom to the northeast of Egypt. These efforts helped secure Egypt’s influence and reinforced its standing as a dominant force in the ancient world.
In terms of architectural achievements, Thutmose IV continued the grand building projects initiated by his predecessors. He made additions to the Karnak Temple complex and oversaw construction efforts that emphasized Egypt’s devotion to its gods. His dedication to religious practices is evident not only in the monuments he commissioned but also in the emphasis placed on his divine legitimacy, as seen in the Dream Stele.
Despite the relative prosperity of his rule, Thutmose IV’s early death has remained a subject of speculation among historians and medical researchers. The frail condition of his mummy suggests that he may have suffered from a chronic illness, possibly tuberculosis or a genetic disorder common among royal bloodlines. Some scholars have proposed that his weakened state could have been the result of an inherited disease, considering the prevalence of health issues among the members of Egypt’s ruling family.
The examination of Thutmose IV’s mummy provides valuable insights into the life and health of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. His remains, along with those of other rulers discovered in the KV35 cache, contribute to the broader understanding of the burial practices, medical conditions, and personal characteristics of Egypt’s elite during the New Kingdom period. The meticulous study of his body has allowed modern researchers to piece together aspects of his life that were not documented in historical records, offering a glimpse into the challenges he may have faced as a ruler.
Furthermore, the relocation of Thutmose IV’s mummy highlights the lengths to which ancient Egyptians went to safeguard the remains of their kings. The movement of royal mummies to hidden caches, such as KV35, was a direct response to the increasing threats of tomb looting, which became a persistent problem throughout Egypt’s later history. By rewrapping and carefully preserving the bodies of their rulers, the ancient priests demonstrated a profound respect for the dead, ensuring that their legacy would be protected.
Today, the mummy of Thutmose IV remains a significant artifact in the study of ancient Egyptian history. The detailed forensic analysis of his remains continues to shed light on the health, burial customs, and daily lives of the pharaohs. His legacy, marked by both his achievements as a ruler and the mysteries surrounding his early death, continues to intrigue historians and Egyptologists alike. The study of his mummy, alongside others discovered in KV35, serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with Egypt’s royal past and the ongoing quest to understand the lives of those who once ruled the Nile.
