Pharaoh uncovered with ‘weird knees’ could show sign of unusual fighting style

An uncovered pharaoh had "weird knees" upon inspection, prompting archaeologists to link the strange skeletal remains to a strange style of fighting.

King Senebkay, whose tomb was discovered back in 2014 with his battle-scarred body within, was killed in battle back in 1650BC. It is unknown who he succeeded or was succeeded by, but the leader appeared to have a unique combat technique.

A four-tomb chamber excavation soon followed the discovery of his final resting place, which was found to be filled with goddess statues and short lines of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

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Though the tomb was robbed of its gold and loot, the King himself was left in his tomb. Analysis of the skeleton found he was killed around the age of 35 to 40, and had picked up some terrible tactics in combat which saw him be bale to stand higher than everyone else.

Despite being far taller than most on the battlefield, King Senebkay was actually just 5ft 10in. He is believed to have used a chariot to be far taller than anyone else but it was thought to be his downfall.

While his cause of death was confirmed as the massive wounds on his skull, diggers were far more interested in damage sustained to his knees. His unconventional approach to warfare was spotted and set him apart from other Egyptian leaders, ancientorigins reported.

Initially believed to be using a chariot without knee guards, King Senebkay had been travelling around the battlefield without protection. It was believed his status came from talent on the battlefield and not from his royal birth right.

Abydos warriors would allegedly use horses according to thrashings and wounds found on the skeletal remains of the King, claims Dr Josef Wegner after finding the body.

But a collection of "shocking" wounds pointed toward how King Senebkay met his grisly end, suggesting he was knocked off his unique carriage. Dr Josef said: "The king’s skeleton has 18 wounds that penetrated to the bone. The trauma includes major cuts to his feet, ankles, and lower back.

"Multiple blows to Senebkay’s skull show the distinctive size and curvature of battle axes used during Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period. His assailants first cut his lower back, ankles and feet to bring him to the ground and then finished him with axe blows to the skull."

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