Osiris II wrote:
The fact I find interesting---the sternum and part of the ribs were missing, and the body showed evidence of starting to decay. What about this scene? There is some evidence that he led the army on some missions. What if he was killed in a fall from a chariot, and run over, smashing his ribs and crushing his sternum by a following chariot. If he was away from Egypt with his army, the body would be taken back to Egypt for burial. In the time it took to return to Egypt, the body may have started to corrupt. The sternum and ribs were so badly damaged, the priests preparing the body for burial removed and discarded them. After mummification was complete, he was buried in a hastily prepared tomb, that had been intended for another burial, but was pressed into service for Tut. With a couple of minor robberies, 99% of his burial was found by Carter in the 20th century. Only a theory, but plausible--more so than his "murder".
First thank you for reminding folks that most of who murdered Tutankhamun is conjecture with no facts supporting it.
2nd most of the damage to the Pharaohs remains are credited to Howard Carter himself. Why? Because the amount of resin used to cover the Pharaoh harden and the only way to remove it back in 1924 was with a heated knife. It is said that Carter was burtal in his operation to remove him from his coffin. I have never heard of this corruption of the body or of the ribs. As for his dying in or near battle i do believe. Egypt lost an important battle just about the time of his death. Possibly the reason why Horemheb didn't inheirt the throne as planned? Who wants a loser as Pharaoh? I would appreciate your sources on the ribs and corruption. If you want mine on Carter's butchery i will be happy to get it for you:)