CT scans equip archeologists with ability to peer into wrapped mummies without harm
Orange County, CA - June 13th 2016 - Nearly a century ago, British archaeologists dug up a sarcophagus in Giza, Egypt, and believed that the ancient finding contained jars of mummified internal organs. However, new CT scans revealed the coffin to be the final resting place of the youngest mummy ever found—a fetus at 16 to 18 weeks gestation.
The Fitzwilliam Museum in the United Kingdom utilized a CT scanner at Cambridge University’s Department of Zoology to re-examine the coffin with a procedure called X-ray microtomography. This imaging technique utilizes X-rays to produce cross-sections of a physical object, which are then compiled to produce 3D renderings. In order to correctly interpret the images, the museum brought in expert radiologists who determined that the remains were, in fact, a fetus.
Based on the results, the team of archeologists and radiologists were able to discern that the mummified being was no more than 18 weeks old from conception. They postulate that the fetus was probably the result of a miscarriage.
This historic event illuminates how respectful research can be conducted and provides insight to Ancient Egyptian culture. Though contemporarily considered enormously disrespectful, Egyptomania in the 19th century fostered a negligent relationship between archeologists and their mummified findings.
This era is marked by fascination with the culture without appreciation or care to preserve it. For centuries, grinding up Egyptian mummies to sell as medicine was commonplace. This epoch was characterized by capitalizing on mummies—they were often purchased as entertainment for elaborate dinner parties, where guests would unwrap and dismember the body as sport.
If the mummified fetus, found in 1901, was discovered a century prior to that, it likely would have been used for nefarious activities. Fortunately, it was preserved long enough for advanced imaging to reveal its significance.
In fact, advanced CT scans have recently become a staple for archeologists. This process is an inventive way to achieve in-depth analysis without damaging the remains, as Ancient Egyptians believed that bodies should be preserved in order to be utilized in the afterlife.
A recently closed exhibition at The British Museum in London exemplifies the opportunities available to archeologists who utilize advanced imaging procedures for their research. The museum featured eight mummies, which were paired with their digital copies. These copies were created with a CT scanner that could simultaneously deploy two types of X-ray imaging techniques. This method produced raw data in the form of CT slices, which were then rendered into 3D models. With an interactive display, visitors were invited to “unwrap” the digital mummy, a compilation of raw data with artificial colors.
For the archeologists, implementing this visualization method allows them to learn more about Ancient Egyptian culture, as they are able to explore mummified bodies, look for evidence of pathologies, and discover how they were embalmed. In one mummy, researchers found an instrument inside the skull which researchers dubbed “smoking gun” a theory that embalmers removed the brain through the nasal cavity. In another mummy, researchers found wax figurines, religious amulets, as well as gold and silver adornments under her bandages—a common practice for protection.
Although CT scans are predominately confined to the medical field, they have proved to be useful in other industries as well. For archeologists, this advanced imaging procedure presents the ability to enrich the scope of information that can be gleaned from their artifacts. From age of death to potential illness, this information can lead to discoveries about ancient civilizations that will give us a better understanding of lost history.
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CT scans equip archeologists with ability to peer into wrapped mummies without harm Orange County, CA – June 13th 2016 – Nearly a century ago, British archaeologists dug up a sarcophagus in Giza, Egypt, and believed that the ancient finding contained jars of mummified internal organs. However, new CT scans revealed the coffin to be the final […]