An ancient mystery surrounding King Tutankhamun’s dagger has been unraveled by a study conducted at the Polytechnic University of Milan in Italy.
Utilizing advanced X-ray technology, researchers confirmed that the Egyptian dagger, dating back to the 14th century BC, was crafted from iron extracted from a meteorite.
The king’s two daggers, one with a blade of gold, the other of ironCredit: AFP/Getty
The analysis revealed a composition of 10 percent nickel and 0.6 percent cobalt, matching the elements found in 11 metallic meteorites.
The dagger, discovered in the wrapping around King Tut’s right thigh, boasts a gold handle adorned with a rock crystal knob and a gold sheath embellished with lilies, feathers, and a jackal’s head. Another gold blade was found beneath the wrapping on the abdomen.
During the Bronze Age, iron was a rare and highly valued material, sometimes surpassing the worth of gold. The recent study sheds light on the ancient Egyptians’ awareness of meteoritic iron, referred to as “iron of the sky” in the 13th century BCE.
This revelation dispels long-standing controversies and provides a fascinating glimpse into the sophistication of ancient metallurgy and beliefs.