Mummy Could Be Powerful Female Pharoah - Hatshepsut

NPR.org, June 27, 2007 · Archaeologists using DNA testing said they have identified a mummy discovered more than a century ago as Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's most powerful female pharoah.

The discovery has not been independently reviewed by other experts.

The mummy was discovered in 1903 in the Valley of the Kings, but it was left in place until two months ago. Archaeologists then took the mummy to the Cairo Museum for testing, said Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass.

Hawass has been searching for the queen for about a year, setting up a DNA lab in the basement of the Cairo Museum. The study was funded by the Discovery channel, which is set to air an exclusive discovery on the find in July.

Hawass said a molar found in a jar with some of the queen's embalmed organs matched the mummy.

"We are 100 percent certain" the mummy is that of Hatshepsut, Hawass told The Associated Press.

Hatshepsut ruled Egypt in the 15th century B.C. and was known for dressing like a man and wearing a false beard. When her reign ended, all traces of her disappeared. Her 22-year rule ended in 1453 B.C. and was the longest among ancient Egyptian queens.

The mummy identified as Hatshepsut died in her 50s, Hawass said. He said she was obese and probably had diabetes and liver cancer. When the mummy was discovered, the left hand was positioned against her chest, which is a traditional sign of royalty in ancient Egypt.

But other Egyptologists are not as certain that the mummy is Hatshepsut.

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