February 14th 2025.
Have you ever wondered what a 5,000-year-old mummy smells like? Surprisingly, a recent study has revealed that the ancient Egyptian mummies emit a pleasant aroma. The researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana delved into the details of mummification practices in this ancient civilization and discovered that the bodies had a woody, spicy, and sweet scent.
This new finding not only sheds light on the materials used in the mummification process, but also provides insight into how these practices and ingredients evolved over time. Furthermore, it also reveals how museums have preserved these remains after their discovery. Lead author, Professor Matija Strlič, expressed that the smell of mummified bodies has always been of great interest to experts and the general public, but until now, no scientific study had been conducted to analyze it.
To gather their data, the researchers used a gas chromatograph to measure and identify the chemicals emitted by the mummies on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. They also enlisted the help of a panel of "trained human sniffers" to describe the smells based on quality, intensity, and pleasantness. Through this method, they were able to determine if the smells were coming from the actual mummy, the conservation products used, or any mold and bacteria that may have formed after the body's deterioration.
It is believed that these new smell profiles could potentially allow museums to create "smell scapes" to enhance the visitor's experience and understanding of the objects and time periods showcased. In fact, the research team plans to create a contemporary reconstruction of the smell of ancient mummified bodies, giving audiences the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in this important aspect of ancient Egyptian heritage and the embalming practices.
Interestingly, the bodies were often concealed under multiple layers of coffins, indicating the importance of mummification in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Co-author, Professor Ali Abdelhalim, who is also the director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, explained that mummification was a crucial mortuary practice for preserving the body and soul for the afterlife. This detailed ritual involved the use of oils, waxes, and balms, and it evolved over time. By identifying the different techniques and materials used, we can gain insights into the era, location, and socioeconomic status of the individuals being mummified.
Despite the mummies being over 5,000 years old, those who have worked with them have described the scents as pleasant. This can be attributed to the use of resins and oils like pine, cedar, and juniper, as well as myrrh and frankincense, which were used to scent the bodies. So, the next time you visit a museum showcasing these ancient remains, you might be able to catch a whiff of their unique and pleasant aroma.
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