Archaeologists have long been puzzled by the discovery of ancient Egyptian mummies with their mouths wide open, as if caught in a scream. Typically, Egyptian mummification involved securing the mouth closed, so this unusual find has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding these mummies. In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, scientists conducted a “virtual autopsy” on one such mummy known as the “Screaming Woman” to shed light on the mystery.
The results of the study revealed that the wide-open mouth of the mummy was not due to poor mummification techniques. In fact, the mummy was embalmed using costly, imported embalming materials, contradicting the belief that the presence of internal organs implied subpar mummification. The well-preserved appearance of the mummy further supports the idea that the embalming process was carried out with care and precision.
One of the authors of the study, Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at Cairo University, described the mummy as a “time capsule” of the individual’s death and mummification process. Through advanced imaging techniques, the researchers were able to determine that the mummy likely died in her 50s and suffered from severe heart disease. The high calcification in her arteries pointed to a possible cause of death being a heart attack or stroke.
Unlike another screaming mummy identified as Prince Pentawer, son of Ramses III, who was not properly mummified and wrapped in a goat’s skin, the “Screaming Woman” mummy had undergone a thorough embalming process. Her body cavity was filled with resin and scents, and she was wrapped in linen. The presence of the brain still intact in the skull led researchers to conclude that the mummy is likely Meritanum, daughter of Seqenenre Taa.
The study of these “screaming” mummies offers a glimpse into the lives and deaths of individuals from ancient Egypt. The unique facial expressions captured in these mummies provide valuable insights into the possible circumstances surrounding their deaths. Further research and analysis of such mummies could help unravel more mysteries of ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs.
By delving into the stories behind these enigmatic mummies, researchers aim to piece together the puzzle of ancient Egyptian civilization and honor the lives of those who have long been preserved in history. The study of the “Screaming Woman” mummy serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and scientific discoveries waiting to be uncovered in the realm of archaeology and paleoradiology.
