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CT Scans Reveal Secrets of Ancient Egyptian Mummies
Non-destructive CT scans of ancient Egyptian mummies at Chicago's Field Museum reveal new details about their lives, burial practices, and the beliefs surrounding the afterlife.
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TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceHistoryArchaeologyAncient EgyptMummies
Field Museum Of Natural HistoryCnn
Jp BrownStacy DrakeLady Chenet-AaHarwa
- What new technology did scientists use to examine the mummies?
- Scientists used non-destructive CT scanning to examine 26 mummies at the Field Museum in Chicago, revealing details about their lives and burial practices without unwrapping them.
- What was the mystery surrounding Lady Chenet-aa's coffin, and how was it solved?
- Lady Chenet-aa's coffin presented a mystery: how was a body inserted into a sealed box? Scans showed the cartonage was softened, the body inserted vertically, then the box sealed with cords and plaster.
- How have attitudes and practices concerning the study and handling of mummies changed over time?
- The research underscores a shift in the handling of mummies, from unwrapping for study in the 19th century to a more respectful, non-invasive approach prioritizing preservation and cultural sensitivity.
- What surprising discovery did scientists make about the handling of internal organs in some mummies?
- The scans revealed that some embalmers created packages for internal organs and reinserted them into the mummies, sometimes including wax statues of the four sons of Horus.
- Did the scans reveal any cases of misidentification or unexpected findings related to the mummies' identities?
- The study corrected some misidentification cases; for example, a coffin inscribed for a priest actually contained a 14-year-old boy, suggesting reuse of coffins.