In November of 2008, further analysis of the Egyptian mummy found to have been wearing a ‘pained’ look on his face is thought to belong to Prince Pentewere, the deadly son who was suspected of plotting the murder against his father, Pharaoh Ramses III. A report sent out by National Geographic News, recent examinations of the mummy might have shed light on a twisted tale filled with murder, suicide, and schemes.
Ever since its discovery in 1886, the mummy referred to as “Unknown Man E” and the “Screaming Mummy” had piqued the interest of archeologists and the public alike. His jaw was open and he had such a painful look on his face. The mummy had really stumped researchers.
While many theories have emerged regarding the cause of death of the mummy , some believe that he succumbed to poison or was possibly buried while still alive. Others felt that he was a murdered Hittite prince that lived during the same time as King Tut ruled. However, it could be a simple case of the jaw falling open due to the head falling back after death. Some conclude that someone murdered would not have been mummified, which eliminated the Hittite prince theory.
The theory regarding poison has not been completely ignored, as some researchers look to papyrus documents that identify a trial that took place in the 12th century BC that involved the wife of Pharaoh Ramses III. Her charges included her conspiring to kill the pharaoh and place her son Pentewere on the throne.
If this were true, then Pentewere would have been killed, but still given a burial of royalty. The mummy was covered in sheepskin. Perhaps, he was given a burial that was not fit for a member of the royal family, as ancient Egyptians did not view sheepskin well. If a mummy was found covered in sheepskin, it was an indication that he was not clean or that he committed some wrongdoing when alive. If murderous plans emerged and Pentewere was a part of the scheme, he would have been sentenced to death by poison.
The Screaming Mummy was located without the help of a grave marker. This meant that his soul would not have made it to the afterlife, which for the ancient Egyptians would have meant further punishment for joining in on the plot to murder his own father. Additional information may emerge in the near future, as there are plans for DNA testing to take place to establish a connection to the mummy and Ramses III.
5 Facts About Ramses III
1. Ramses III was also known as Usimare Ramesses III.
2. Ramses III served as the second Pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty. Some consider him the last king of the great New Kingdom, which was able to hold significant control over Egypt.
3. According to the Great Harris Papyrus (also known as Papyrus Harris I), the king donated great plots of land, gold statues, and was responsible for impressive strides in construction regarding temples that appeared in Memphis, Heliopolis, Abydos, and Coptos.
4. The mummy of Ramses III was found in 1886.
5. His tomb is regarded as one of the biggest located within the Valley of the Kings.