Secrets of Mummy Revealed

17 July 2009 - Filed under Egyptology

Palaeoradiology using X-rays, CT and MRI scans is being harnessed to study the skeletons and mummies of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The science should help to provide long sort answers to questions such as whether Tutankhamun was murdered and did Rhameses II die of spine disease.

The science has already shown that in fact Rhameses II did not have arthritis of the spine, which would agree with historical evidence that he was a warrior. Tutankhamun’s body was also removed from the tomb for the very first time to be scanned by modern technology. This time it was revealed that the “blow to the back of the skull” did not exist. Instead a fracture of the left leg, just above the knee, was discovered.

The technology is further developing and 2008 saw an iCT of a wealthy Egyptian priestess performed. The iCT is an “intelligent” CT that gives 3D images allowing scientists to almost peel back the mummy layer by layer whilst leaving the actual mummy intact and untouched. Dr Rethy Chhem from the IAEA has been at the forefront of developing the use of this technology.

2009-07-17  »  admin