Cold Case Investigations

Nov 3 Pharaoh Ramesses III

Facts of the Case: Assassination of Pharaoh Ramesses III (c. 1186–1155 BCE, 20th Dynasty).

Victim: Pharaoh Usermaatre Meryamun Ramesses III, ruler of Egypt for approximately 31 years. He is often regarded as the last great pharaoh of the New Kingdom, known for military campaigns against the Sea Peoples and Libyans, extensive building projects (including his mortuary temple at Medinet Habu), and economic challenges toward the end of his reign.

Date: Day 15 of Month 2 of Shemu (approximately November/December), 1155 BCE, during the 32nd year of his reign.

Location: Likely within the royal harem in the Western Tower (or Eastern High Gate) at Medinet Habu, his mortuary temple complex near Thebes, during a celebration or festival.

Cause of Death (Forensic Evidence) Modern CT scans (2012, led by Zahi Hawass and team) of Ramesses III’s mummy revealed a deep, sharp-force wound to the throat, approximately 7 cm wide, cutting to the bone (cervical vertebrae 5–7). It severed the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels, which would have been rapidly or instantly fatal. Embalmers placed a Horus eye amulet (associated with healing) into the wound and wrapped the neck heavily in linen, suggesting an attempt to ritually "heal" or conceal the injury in the afterlife. No evidence supports earlier theories like poisoning or snakebite; the wound is consistent with a blade attack.

The Conspiracy (Harem Conspiracy)

Instigator: Secondary wife Queen Tiye (Tiy), who sought to place her son, Prince Pentawere (Pentaweret), on the throne instead of the designated heir (Ramesses IV, son of a senior wife). Key Conspirators: Included high-ranking officials such as Pebekkamen (chief of the chamber), royal butlers, treasury overseers, army standard-bearers, scribes, a herald, and other harem women and palace staff. Magic (wax figures, spells) and possible poison were reportedly used alongside the physical attack. The plot involved inciting rebellion to overthrow Ramesses III and install Pentawere. It succeeded in killing the pharaoh but failed to seize the throne.

Aftermath and Trials Ramesses IV (the designated heir) ascended the throne. A separate mummy (the "screaming man" or "Unknown Man E," found with Ramesses III) shares DNA with him and is believed to be Pentawere, possibly who was forced to suicide or otherwise punished.

Judicial Proceedings: Documented in the Judicial Papyrus of Turin (and related papyri like Lee and Rollin). A special court of 14 officials was appointed. Approximately 38–40 people were tried across multiple proceedings. Many received death sentences but were "allowed" to take their own lives (to avoid direct royal execution of elites). Punishments included execution, mutilation, or suicide. The papyri do not explicitly state the pharaoh’s death (a cultural reticence around regicide), but the succession record and mummy evidence confirm it occurred.

Sources Primary: Judicial Papyrus of Turin (Museo Egizio) and related judicial texts. Forensic: 2012 CT scan and DNA study published in the BMJ.

This remains one of the best-documented assassinations from antiquity—palace intrigue, a successful hit, failed coup, and swift justice.

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