King Tut?s.jpgThis undated image shows a dagger and sheath found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun (Daniela Comelli/Polytechnic University of Milan)
An Egyptian dagger found in King Tutankhamun?s tomb was made with iron from a meteorite, a study has confirmed.
Using a hi-tech X-ray, the Polytechnic University of Milan in Italy found the famous dagger contained 10 percent nickel and 0.6 percent cobalt.
A comparison with 11 metallic meteorites found they were made of similar elements.
The dagger dates back to the 14th century B.C. and was found in the wrapping surrounding the right thigh of King Tut?s mummy. It features a decorated gold handle with a rounded knob of rock crystal. It was encased in a gold sheath that was decorated with a pattern of lilies, feathers and a jackal?s head.