For centuries, the mummies of ancient Egypt have fascinated scholars, travelers, and the general public alike. Wrapped in layers of linen and shrouded in mystery, these ancient remains provide a direct link to one of the greatest civilizations in human history. Modern technology, particularly the use of computed tomography (CT) scanning, has opened an unprecedented window into the lives and deaths of the ancient Egyptians. The images shown above capture a powerful moment in this ongoing story: a mummy being placed inside a CT scanner, an intersection where ancient rituals meet twenty-first-century science.
Egyptian mummification practices date back as far as 2600 BCE, during the Old Kingdom, and continued for over three millennia. At their height, during the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE), mummification was perfected to a near-scientific art, designed to preserve the body for eternity. The process involved removing internal organs, drying the body with natron salts, and wrapping it carefully in linen, often with amulets inserted between the layers to provide magical protection. For the ancient Egyptians, this was not simply a funerary tradition—it was a religious necessity. Preserving the body was essential for the soul to continue its journey into the afterlife.
For centuries, the secrets of mummification remained hidden beneath the wrappings. Archaeologists who attempted to study the remains often resorted to unwrapping the mummies, a destructive process that caused irreparable damage. Today, non-invasive imaging techniques like CT scanning and radiography have revolutionized mummy studies. These technologies allow researchers to look beneath the linen, examine skeletal structures, analyze pathologies, and even reconstruct faces, all without disturbing the fragile remains. This combination of respect for the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ and scientific inquiry represents a new chapter in the study of Egypt’s enduring legacy.
The mummy shown undergoing CT scanning in these images is one of many that have been examined in recent decades. The process is meticulous and highly controlled. First, the mummy is carefully placed on the scanning table, often still within its coffin or cartonnage if preservation allows. The CT scanner then produces thousands of cross-sectional images, which can be ᴀssembled into a three-dimensional digital model. This allows researchers to explore the body virtually, rotating it and zooming in on specific areas for detailed analysis. In some cases, scans have revealed jewelry, amulets, or weapons hidden within the wrappings, objects that were meant to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
One of the most striking revelations from CT scans has been the evidence of medical conditions among ancient Egyptians. Studies have shown cases of arthritis, dental abscesses, broken bones, and even signs of cancer. For example, the famous Pharaoh Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE) was discovered to have suffered from severe dental issues and arthritis, ailments that would have caused him significant pain in his later years. Similarly, scans of other royals have revealed the presence of atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries, challenging the ᴀssumption that heart disease is purely a modern phenomenon.
The scans also shed light on the techniques used in mummification, which varied depending on the time period and the social status of the deceased. Some mummies reveal careful organ removal, resin application, and elaborate wrapping. Others show hurried or less precise work, suggesting differences in cost or ritual importance. In rare cases, CT scans have uncovered evidence of mistakes or unusual practices—for instance, skulls filled with resin or misplaced amulets. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the spiritual beliefs that guided ancient embalmers, as well as the practical realities of their work.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable contributions of CT scanning has been the ability to “virtually unwrap” mummies. In 2021, researchers in Cairo digitally unwrapped the mummy of AmenH๏τep I, a pharaoh who reigned around 1525–1504 BCE. His coffin had been left unopened for centuries, out of fear of damaging the delicate remains. With CT scanning, scientists were able to reveal his facial features, the jewelry he was buried with, and even details about his age at death, all while leaving the mummy physically untouched. Such breakthroughs highlight the extraordinary potential of technology in unlocking ancient secrets without desecrating sacred remains.
The mummy in the featured images is also part of this broader narrative. The CT scanner shown is part of a hospital-grade medical imaging system, repurposed for archaeology. The presence of experts beside the machine emphasizes the collaborative nature of this work, bringing together archaeologists, radiologists, and historians. Each scan not only adds to our understanding of a single individual but also contributes to a larger database of knowledge about health, culture, and society in ancient Egypt. By comparing findings across multiple mummies, researchers can reconstruct patterns of disease, diet, and even social stratification.
Beyond the scientific insights, these scans carry profound emotional weight. To look into the face of a person who lived thousands of years ago is to bridge a vast gulf of time. Each mummy represents an individual—someone who walked along the Nile, prayed to the gods, loved, suffered, and died. The CT images restore a sense of humanity to these remains, reminding us that history is made up not only of kings and monuments but also of real people with personal stories. This is perhaps why mummy research continues to capture the imagination of the public, inspiring documentaries, exhibitions, and scholarly debates.
CT scanning also plays a crucial role in cultural heritage preservation. By documenting mummies in great detail, researchers create digital archives that can be studied by future generations. This is particularly important given the threats posed by environmental conditions, looting, and the pᴀssage of time. A digital scan ensures that even if the physical mummy deteriorates, its scientific and cultural value will remain accessible. Furthermore, 3D reconstructions can be used in museums to create interactive experiences, allowing visitors to explore ancient remains without physical contact, balancing education with preservation.
Of course, the use of modern technology on ancient remains raises ethical questions. Some argue that scanning and displaying mummies may be a violation of their dignity, while others contend that such research honors the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ by remembering them and learning from their lives. In Egypt, where many of these mummies originated, scholars often collaborate with local authorities to ensure that research respects both scientific goals and cultural sensitivities. The debate reflects a larger tension in archaeology: how to balance respect for the past with the quest for knowledge.
In conclusion, the CT scanning of mummies represents a remarkable convergence of past and present, religion and science, life and death. From the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom, from the Valley of the Kings to the laboratories of Cairo, the story of mummification has always been about continuity—about ensuring that the soul lives on. Today, with the aid of technology, we are ensuring that the knowledge and memory of these individuals also live on. The mummy lying in the scanner is more than a relic; it is a messenger from antiquity, carrying lessons about health, faith, and the resilience of human culture. Each scan deepens our understanding, not just of ancient Egypt, but of ourselves and the eternal human desire to seek immortality.
