Amenhotep I’s mummy was been digitally unwrapped by a scientific team using computer tomography (CT) scanning technology. The Cairo University researchers used CT scans to examine the mummy’s interior and learned a number of previously unknown facts. This is what was made public.
CT Scan Used to Unwrap a Mummy!
Dr. Sahar Saleem, the principal investigator, recently described her research findings in the Frontiers magazine. The Egyptian King’s mummy was initially found at Deir el-Bahari, a little village outside of the well-known Valley of Kings, in 1881. But for the past 140 years, doctors and scholars have been reluctant to uncover the mummies for fear of destroying the intricate face mask and the body’s bandages.
However, Dr. Saleem was able to digitally uncover King Amenhotep I’s mummy and learn previously unrecognised details because of developments in CT scan technology, which is used in the medical sector to non-invasively capture detailed images of a person’s internal organs for diagnostic purposes.
The results of the CT scan showed that the King was one of the earliest pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty line in Egypt, which also included other kings like Akhenaten and the well-known Tutankhamun or King Tut. The King ruled during Egypt’s New Kingdom period (between 1525 and 1504 BC). He passed away at the young age of 35. Also revealed is the king’s height, which is 5 6 inches.
Saleem said that Amenhotep I seems to have resembled his father physically; he had a narrow chin, a tiny, narrow nose, curling hair, and slightly protruding upper teeth.
Further investigation revealed that the body bore no evidence of any external injuries or damage that would have contributed to his demise. However, numerous postmortem injuries were discovered by the researchers, which they believe were caused by grave thieves. For those who are unaware, thieves from graves took priceless things from the mummified bodies of Egyptian Kings.
However, 400 years after his passing, mortuary priests of the 21st Dynasty lovingly repaired the damage by reattaching the mummy’s neck and body using resin-treated linen. It was twice reburied. In addition, the CT scans revealed 30 secret amulets and a distinctive golden girdle with gold beads inside Amenhotep’s mummy’s bandages. This refuted the assumption that succeeding dynasties’ priests had recycled ornaments for use in other pharaohs’ funeral rites.
It should be noted that a mummy has previously been unwrapped using a CT scan; the first time was in 1977. However, improvements in this technology have made it possible for researchers to gather comprehensive data on mummies.
If this interests you even more, you can read Dr. Saleem’s in-depth report right here. Additionally, keep an eye out for more compelling tales like this one!
Featured Photo Credit: PA Media
