Death by lotion

Once believed to have been assassinated, the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Hatshepsut may have died of another cause: Scholars in Germany say it was likely her skin lotion.

"A strong case can be made," said pharmacologist Helmut Wiedenfeld from the University of Bonn, where researchers say they have discovered a carcinogenic ingredient in a flask that contained skin balm used by the female pharaoh some 3,500 years ago.

Hatshepsut's family was known to suffer from skin ailments.

"We've known for a long time that that Hatshepsut had cancer and perhaps died of it," added Bonn Egyptologist Michael Höveler-Müller. "Now we may know what caused it."

Researchers analyzed the contents of a flacon housed at the university's Egyptian Museum, revealing its contents to include palm and nutmeg oil, as well as other polyunsaturated fats used to relieve skin complaints such as psoriasis. More interestingly, the mixture contained benzo(a)pyrene, a cancer-causing component of tar that is now banned in cosmetics.

No foul play, only foul perfume

Egyptologists had once assumed Hatshepsut was murdered - an assumption not so far-fetched given the political power plays in which she herself was implicated.

However, more recent research has pointed to cancer or diabetes as the cause of the female pharaoh's death, at around age 35.

Hatshepsut, who ruled Upper Egypt during the 15th century B.C., began her reign as the regent to her young stepson. When he came of age, she refused to give up the throne and became his co-ruler. Pharaoh Hatshepsut was often referred to using the male pronoun - and depicted wearing the pharaoh's traditional false beard.

Hatshepsut's rule is seen by scholars as a time of stability and prosperity for Egypt. She is buried in the Valley of Kings, and her most famous landmark remains her temple at Deir el-Bahari.

Author: David Levitz (AFP, AP, dpa)

Editor: Toma Tasovac