When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was first discovered and excavated in 1922, American archaeologist Howard Carter was astounded by the treasure trove of countless valuable artifacts. Among the precious items made of gold, silver, ebony, and ivory, one particular object drew the archaeologists’ attention: a condom-like item made of linen containing the DNA of the king himself. This discovery not only shocked the researchers but also raised many new questions about the life and culture of ancient Egyptians.
King Tutankhamun. Illustration photo.
Discovery and historical significance
King Tutankhamun. Reconstructed image.
King Tutankhamun’s tomb contained more than 5,000 artifacts made from various valuable materials such as gold, silver, ebony, and ivory. These items were intricately crafted, symbolizing the opulence and power of this famous Pharaoh. Among thousands of artifacts, a small linen item caught the experts’ special attention. Designed similarly to modern condoms, this 3,000-year-old item contained King Tut’s DNA, indicating it was an essential item accompanying the Pharaoh into the afterlife.
Description and significance of the ancient condom
Condoms found in King Tut’s tomb (Photo: Cairo Museum).
The condom of King Tut was made from fine linen soaked in olive oil and tied around the waist with a string. Estimated to have been “manufactured” around 1350 BCE, this artifact is considered the oldest surviving condom in the world. Additionally, the tomb contained the remains of two fetuses, with DNA tests confirming King Tut as their biological father. If this condom was used for contraceptive purposes rather than ritualistic or disease-prevention purposes, it likely would not have been highly effective.
Ancient contraceptive methods and medical advancements
Tourists from all over come to admire the many antiques in the king’s tomb, displayed at the Cairo museum.
Ancient Egyptians employed various contraceptive methods. One method involved a mixture of crocodile dung and other ingredients to create a contraceptive ring. Egyptians believed that the alkaline properties of crocodile dung could “destroy” sperm. Egypt might have been one of the first civilizations to invent and use condoms. In contrast, ancient Romans used condoms made from animal intestines or bladders, while ancient Chinese invented oiled silk paper. Medieval Muslim and Jewish cultures even used tar or onion juice to coat male genitalia for contraceptive purposes.
History and development of condoms
The life and death of King Tut remains a mystery to posterity.
The first recorded outbreak of a sexually transmitted disease, syphilis, occurred in the French army in the 15th century. This event heightened the need for protective measures against diseases, leading to the use of linen sheets soaked in chemical solutions. During the Renaissance, condoms made from animal intestines or bladders were common. The modern condom emerged in the early 19th century, with rubber companies starting mass production by 1850.
Tutankhamun, a Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty (around 1567-1202 BCE), died around 1352 BCE at under 18 years old. Despite ruling for only nine years, his death remains a mystery to this day. The discovery of a 3,000-year-old condom in King Tut’s tomb not only provides new insights into the daily life and culture of ancient Egyptians but also sheds light on the medical advancements and ingenuity of people from that era. The rare artifacts from King Tut’s tomb, displayed at the Cairo Museum in Egypt, continue to attract visitors worldwide, helping them understand the life of this young king and the development of ancient civilizations.