What Surprising Facts Did Modern Science Uncover About the “Screaming” Mummy?

New findings from advanced imaging techniques have provided fresh insights into the mysterious case of the “screaming” Egyptian mummy, discovered in 1935 near Luxor. The mummy, whose open mouth and frozen scream have captivated researchers and the public alike, has undergone a thorough examination, revealing intriguing details about her life, health, and mummification process.

The mummified remains, dating back approximately 3,500 years, have been analyzed using CT scans, infrared imaging, and other modern methods. Published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, the study offers a clearer picture of the woman’s condition at the time of her death and the techniques used in her embalming.

According to the new study, the woman was 48 years old when she died, a determination based on the analysis of her pelvic joint, which changes over time. The research also highlights some peculiarities in her mummification process. The embalming was done using frankincense and juniper resin, both of which were costly and imported from distant lands. This luxurious choice of materials indicates a high status or significant wealth.

One striking discovery was that the body was not subjected to the standard mummification procedure of removing internal organs. Instead, the brain, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines were left intact, a deviation from the typical practice where all but the heart was usually extracted. This anomaly, however, does not suggest a poor quality of mummification, as the use of expensive materials and meticulous preservation techniques suggest otherwise.

The study revealed that the woman stood at 1.54 meters (about 5 feet) tall and suffered from mild spinal arthritis, evidenced by bone spurs on her vertebrae. Additionally, several missing teeth, likely lost before her death, were noted. Despite these findings, the exact cause of her death remains undetermined.

The open-mouthed expression of the mummy has long puzzled researchers. This feature is rare, as most ancient Egyptian mummies had their mouths closed, with the jawbone and skull wrapped to maintain a closed mouth. The study proposes that her “screaming” appearance might be a result of a cadaveric spasm, a rare muscular reaction linked to violent deaths. This suggests she could have died in extreme agony or pain.

It’s also theorized that the woman was mummified shortly after death, within 18 to 36 hours, which might have preserved the open-mouth position before her body began to decompose or relax. However, the study acknowledges that a mummy’s facial expression can be influenced by various factors, including the decomposition process, desiccation rate, and the pressure of the wrappings. Therefore, the exact reason for the woman’s open mouth remains uncertain.

The mummy was interred in the tomb of Senmut, an architect who served under Queen Hatshepsut of ancient Egypt. It is believed that the woman may have been related to Senmut. Her remains were uncovered during an expedition led by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and her coffin remains on display there, while her mummified body is housed at the Cairo Egyptian Museum.

In a broader context, similar open-mouthed mummies have been studied before. Sahar Saleem, the study’s author, previously examined two other examples. One was a prince named Pentawere, whose throat was slit as a punishment for his involvement in a political assassination. His mummification was notably less meticulous. Another case involved Princess Meritamun, who is believed to have died of a heart attack, with her open mouth attributed to postmortem changes in her jaw.

Randall Thompson, a cardiologist from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, praised the study for its detailed and helpful insights. Thompson noted that understanding ancient embalming practices and the health conditions of past populations can shed light on historical health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, which has been present for millennia.

These recent advancements in mummy research not only deepen our understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices but also provide a glimpse into the health and lives of people from a distant past. As technology continues to evolve, further breakthroughs in the study of ancient remains are expected to reveal more about our ancestors’ lives, health, and the mysteries surrounding their deaths.

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