arabic.cnn.com
Ancient Egyptian Mummy Mysteries Solved
Non-invasive CT scans of ancient Egyptian mummies reveal new details about their lives, death rituals, and the mysteries surrounding their burial practices.
Arabic
United States
Middle EastArchaeologyAncient EgyptCt ScanAfterlifeMummy
Field MuseumCnn
J.b. BrownStacey DrakeChenet-AaHarwa
- How was Chenet-aa's body positioned and placed inside her coffin?
- The new scans revealed that Chenet-aa's coffin was sealed from the back before being covered in plaster, creating a seamless appearance. The mummified body was placed inside while the cartonnage was pliable.
- What insights did the scans provide about the life and health of Harwa?
- Harwa, a high-status individual who lived around 3,000 years ago, was found to have lived a comfortable life. His teeth showed significant wear, possibly due to the sand in his diet or tools used for food preparation.
- What details about Chenet-aa's life and death were revealed by the scans?
- The scans allowed researchers to determine that Chenet-aa, a high-status woman, died in her late 30s or early 40s. Her body was carefully prepared, including artificial eyes and a tracheal packing to prevent neck collapse.
- What were the ancient Egyptian beliefs regarding the soul and the afterlife?
- Ancient Egyptians believed the soul remained in the body after death, so mummification preserved the spirit for the afterlife. The process, involving spiritual and biological rituals, could take 70 days.
- What technology and methods were employed to study the mummies without causing damage?
- The study used non-invasive techniques, such as a mobile CT scanner, to examine mummies without damaging the artifacts. This allowed researchers to create 3D images revealing skeletal structures and artifacts inside.