A recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine sheds new light on the mysterious “screaming woman” mummy uncovered in Egypt in 1935. Through advanced techniques like CT scans and infrared imaging, researchers were able to virtually dissect the remains and uncover details about the woman’s life and death.
The analysis revealed that the woman was 48 years old when she died, embalmed with luxurious and costly substances like frankincense and juniper resin. Surprisingly, her internal organs were left intact, contrary to traditional mummification practices of that time. The woman stood 1.54 meters tall, suffered from mild arthritis, and was missing several teeth.
Despite the well-preserved state of the mummy, researchers could not determine the exact cause of death. One hypothesis suggests that the woman’s chilling facial expression, with her mouth wide open, could be attributed to a rare muscular stiffening known as cadaveric spasm, possibly indicating a violent death from agony or pain.
The study’s findings challenge previous assumptions about mummification practices, highlighting the complexity and mysteries surrounding ancient Egyptian burial rituals. The “screaming woman” mummy’s compelling story continues to captivate researchers and historians alike, offering valuable insights into the lives and deaths of individuals from the distant past.
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