Scientists, after careful examination, reveal that the mummies have "woody," "spicy," and "sweet" odours, offering a fresh perspective on ancient burial practices.
Ancient Egyptian Mummies Have Pleasant Scents, New Study Reveals
Ancient Egyptian Mummies Have Pleasant Scents, New Study Reveals
A recent study finds that mummies from ancient Egypt still emit pleasant fragrances after 5,000 years.
Researchers have uncovered that ancient Egyptian mummies, even after thousands of years ensconced in sarcophagi, still emit inviting scents. A study involving nine mummies described their aromatic profiles as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet," suggesting that the mummification process integrated pleasant fragrances as an essential ritual for preparing spirits for their journey into the afterlife.
Cecilia Bembibre, a key researcher, mentioned during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the team aims to recreate these scents for display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, allowing visitors to experience this sensory aspect of ancient history. Bembibre highlighted the contrasting view of mummies often portrayed in films and literature, emphasizing surprise at the "pleasantness" of the scents emitted.
The authors of this intriguing study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, impressed upon the need for non-invasive methods to analyze historical items. To capture the unique fragrances without disturbing the mummies, researchers utilized a slender tube to extract the scent directly from the sarcophagus.
Ally Louks, an English literature supervisor at the University of Cambridge, praised the study as an "innovative" method for connecting with history. Allowing the public to engage with the sensory experience of smell produces a potent emotional and physical reaction, she explained, while asserting the importance of scents in social, religious, and personal practices in ancient Egypt.
Additionally, Matija Strlič, a team member, shared that the scents might even hint at the social class of a mummy based on the materials used during embalming. This approach could expand to other museum collections, he noted.
The research significantly benefits mummy conservationists by using gas chromatography to isolate and analyze the various aromas present in the sarcophagus. The discovery of odours linked to the breakdown of animal fats in the embalming materials serves as an indicator of potential decomposition, thus allowing conservators to develop better preservation techniques for these artifacts. "This is useful for conservators who care for this collection [as] we can ensure it reaches future generations," Dr. Bembibre stated, reiterating the study's impact on future conservation efforts.
Cecilia Bembibre, a key researcher, mentioned during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the team aims to recreate these scents for display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, allowing visitors to experience this sensory aspect of ancient history. Bembibre highlighted the contrasting view of mummies often portrayed in films and literature, emphasizing surprise at the "pleasantness" of the scents emitted.
The authors of this intriguing study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, impressed upon the need for non-invasive methods to analyze historical items. To capture the unique fragrances without disturbing the mummies, researchers utilized a slender tube to extract the scent directly from the sarcophagus.
Ally Louks, an English literature supervisor at the University of Cambridge, praised the study as an "innovative" method for connecting with history. Allowing the public to engage with the sensory experience of smell produces a potent emotional and physical reaction, she explained, while asserting the importance of scents in social, religious, and personal practices in ancient Egypt.
Additionally, Matija Strlič, a team member, shared that the scents might even hint at the social class of a mummy based on the materials used during embalming. This approach could expand to other museum collections, he noted.
The research significantly benefits mummy conservationists by using gas chromatography to isolate and analyze the various aromas present in the sarcophagus. The discovery of odours linked to the breakdown of animal fats in the embalming materials serves as an indicator of potential decomposition, thus allowing conservators to develop better preservation techniques for these artifacts. "This is useful for conservators who care for this collection [as] we can ensure it reaches future generations," Dr. Bembibre stated, reiterating the study's impact on future conservation efforts.
