The fascinating world of ancient Egyptian artifacts never ceases to amaze us. One such remarkable discovery is the tomb of Tutankhamun, also known as KV62, unearthed by Howard Carter, a renowned Egyptologist, back in the 1920s. While his golden death mask has become an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt, it wasn’t until 2007 that experts undertook an in-depth study into the king’s burial chamber.

Though the exact number of artifacts found in Tut’s tomb remains uncertain, at least 80 similar items were discovered in the virtually intact tomb, including various items meant to accompany him into the afterlife. Some were in superb condition, while others were fragmented remnants of food scraps. The most prized possessions were the gold sandals discovered on the feet of King Tut’s mummy.

Renowned Dutch archaeologist and curator of Tutankhamun’s Footwear Studies, Alexander Veldeijer, uncovered 81 pairs of sandals housed at the Luxor Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

These were all that remained of a vast collection that once adorned Tutankhamun, including sewn sandals and beaded sandals. These would have been a feast for the eyes, made with gold, birch bark, vegetal fibers, gemstones, leather, and gold.

DNA tests and analysis of CT scans performed on his remains revealed that King Tutankhamun likely suffered from multiple deformities caused by inbreeding, including a club foot and malformations in his feet that would have caused him to walk with a limp and necessitate the use of a cane.

Among the shoe collection discovered in his tomb, the pair of shoes were found to have horizontal foot straps allowing the toes to be cradled to aid his impaired walking. “These features are not known in any other footwear, sandal, or shoe alike,” said Veldeijer in an interview with Discovery News.

What’s even more surprising is the prediction of bound enemies on more than one pair of sandals included in King Tut’s tomb. Taking into account that artistic representations were used to manifest reality in ancient Egypt, the message was quite clear. Every step he took would have literally been stepping on the faces of his enemies.

The legacy of Tutankhamun continues to capture our imagination, shedding light on the intricate beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptian royalty. Through these artifacts, we glimpse into a world where each item tells a unique story of a civilization shrouded in mystery and grandeur.