Ancient Egyptian mummy 'scr.eam.ing'
According to News.com.au, scientists have recently revealed hor.rif.ying details about an ancient Egyptian mummy, famous for having her face "locked" in a screaming position for 3,500 years. This mummy once fascinated archaeologists with its terrifying expression, but now, with the advancement of science, the real reason behind the screams has been revealed.
The Screaming Mummy and the Mystery of More Than 3,000 Years
This mysterious woman, estimated to have died at the age of 48 during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1479 - 1458 BC), was discovered in 1935 in a tomb in Luxor, Egypt. Her body was carefully preserved in the tomb of a government official and quickly became known as the "Scr.ea.ming Woman" because of her terrifying, scr.ea.ming facial expression.
Initially, it was thought that this posture was the result of an incomplete embalming. Perhaps the embalmers had forgotten to close her mouth before burying her. However, thanks to modern technology, this theory has been replaced by a more gruesome reason.
De.a.th amid a scream
According to anthropologist Samia El-Merghani of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and radiologist Sahar Saleem of Cairo University, the woman may have d.ied while sc.re.aming. Experts believe that her expression is the result of cadaveric spasms – a rare phenomenon during the death process.
Sahar Saleem takes a photo with a 'screaming' mummy
“The woman likely suffered a painful death, and cadaveric spasms caused her face to freeze in a panicked expression,” El-Merghani and Saleem wrote in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine.
“The embalmers were unable to close her mouth because the body had begun to contract before decomposition, maintaining her screaming posture after death,” Saleem added.
Modern Analysis: Virtual Autopsy
Using X-ray technology and virtual autopsy, scientists have discovered many interesting details about this woman. She died at the age of 48 and was about 1.54 meters tall. Some signs on her spine suggest that she may have suffered from arthritis. In addition, her teeth are quite well preserved, although some have fallen out or show signs of decay.
One of the most striking findings is that the woman was buried with two scarab rings made of silver and gold. The embalming materials included juniper resin and frankincense, two expensive ingredients that indicate her high social status.
It is now theorized that the woman d.i.ed while "scr.ea.ming" in p.ain. Photo: Sahar Saleem
Co.rp.se Ri.gor Mo.rtis: A Rare Mystery of D.ea.th
Cadre rigor mortis, a rare phenomenon in which the body stiffens immediately after de.ath, usually occurs in cases of death under extreme conditions. This causes the deceased’s final expression to be permanently preserved. Saleem said the phenomenon could be linked to the woman’s sudden and vi.ol.ent death, possibly due to extreme pain or emotional stress.
Perfect Preservation: Evidence of a Mysterious D.e.ath
Although the exact cause of the Screaming Woman’s d.e.ath remains unknown, her perfectly preserved body is a clear testament to how she d.ie.d and was mummified. Her life and death, along with her agonizing scr.eams, will continue to fascinate scientists and archaeologists for years to come, revealing more mysteries about ancient Egyptian civilization.
