Table of Contents
Did Egyptian Pharaohs inbred?
The ancient Egyptian royal families were almost expected to marry within the family, as inbreeding was present in virtually every dynasty. Pharaohs were not only wed to their brothers and sisters, but there were also “double-niece” marriages, where a man married a girl whose parents were his own brother and sister.
What are some common health issues that Pharaohs may have had?
Renal and vesical calculi were common, and evidence of bacterial infections has been made out in some bodies. Malignant disease, gout, leprosy, infantile paralysis and appendicitis seem to have existed in the days of the Pharaohs, while arteriosclerosis was common then as now.
Who was the most inbred Pharaoh?
Tutankhamun
The most famous Egyptian pharaoh suffered from defects caused by inbreeding. Everyone has heard about Tutankhamun (1342–1325 BC). The insignificant Egyptian pharaoh became a world celebrity because nobody robbed his tomb. The treasures and the curse surrounding his afterlife remnants captured our imagination.
Why did the Pharaohs practice incest?
The fact that his mother and father were brother and sister may seem bizarre today but incest was rife among the boy king’s family because Pharaohs were believed to be descended from the gods. Therefore it was an acceptable way of retaining the sacred bloodline.
What were the most common diseases in ancient Egypt?
These advances also give us an idea about the spectrum of diseases Ancient Egyptians suffered: headache and emotional stress among tomb builders; various infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and worm infection; kidney stones; snake or scorpion bites; poliomyelitis; leprosy, and plague6,7.
Is the royal family still inbred?
Post World War I era. In modern times, among European royalty at least, marriages between royal dynasties have become much rarer than they once were. This happens to avoid inbreeding, since many royal families share common ancestors, and therefore share much of the genetic pool.