Page 9 - SAMPLE Secrets of the Dead

Ramses’ preserved body gives us clues as to what he was like in life. He was 1.7 metres tall, with a sharp-featured face, strong jaw and beak-like nose. The back and sides of his head are still covered in thick wavy hair; sparse tufts cling to
his temples and mostly bald scalp. His once white hair is now reddish in colour, perhaps stained during the mummification process.
Ramses may have been a great king, but scientific studies of his mummy showed he still suffered from ordinary illnesses. He was probably crippled with arthritis, a painful disease that causes his joints to swell and made him walk with a stoop. Over the years, fat built up on the inside of his arteries, making them narrower. This caused poor blood circulation and increased his risk of heart disease. Scientists also found that he had a painful dental abscess; these occur when pus builds up inside the jawbone and teeth due to infection.
Even after 3,200 years, Ramses still looks every inch a king. His head, with its chiselled features is stern and dignified. His linen-wrapped hands are especially well- preserved, and the way he holds them away from his chest makes it look as if this great pharaoh is waking up and beginning to move.
Ramses was buried in the Valley of the Kings, in a tomb we now call KV7. It’s located opposite the tomb of his many sons, which
is the largest in the valley with at least 130 chambers. The walls are decorated with many scenes, including the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, and Ramses himself. The only objects found inside were a wooden shabti figurine, pieces of glass, jar lids and statue fragments. Unfortunately, Ramses’ resting place has been damaged over the years by floods.
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Africa