Chicago museum unveils new secrets of ancient Egyptian mummies

At the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, a groundbreaking approach is offering new insights into the lives of ancient Egyptians without ever unwrapping a single mummy.

Scientists at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago have used advanced imaging technology to examine ancient Egyptian mummies without unwrapping them, unveiling new details about their identities and burial practices, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In September, museum staff moved 26 mummies on display to a parking lot, where they were scanned with a mobile CT scanner. This non-invasive method generated thousands of X-ray images of the mummies and their coffins, which, when compiled, produced 3D models revealing the skeletons and artifacts contained within.   The findings provide new insights into ancient Egyptian mortuary rituals, offering a glimpse into what the Egyptians believed was necessary for the afterlife.

While the scanning process took about four days, the analysis of the resulting 3D images is expected to take up to three years, according to JP Brown, senior conservator of anthropology at the museum. The scans not only provide valuable information on how to best preserve the mummies for future generations but also allow for a deeper understanding of the unique identities and personal histories of the mummified Egyptians, all while maintaining respect for their remains.  

“From an archaeological perspective, it is incredibly rare that you get to investigate or view history from the perspective of a single individual,” said Stacy Drake, the human remains collections manager at the Field Museum. “This is a really great way for us to look at who these people were — not just the things they made and the stories we have created about them, but the actual individuals who lived at this time.”  

The “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit at the museum is one of its most popular, featuring a three-story replica of a type of tomb known as a mastaba. The tomb’s burial chambers, which date back to 2400 BC, house 23 human mummies and more than 30 animal mummies.

By Naila Huseynova