Researchers digitally unbox Pharaoh Amenhotep I’s mummy for the first time

For the first time in centuries, the carefully packaged mummified remains of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep I have been examined in detail after being digitally “unwrapped” with high-tech scanners. The face mask and bandages were digitally peeled off by researchers, revealing information about his appearance and the expensive jewelry he was buried with. The researchers had called it a “unique opportunity” to analyze and explore how the pharaoh was mummified in the first place, as well as “how he was treated and buried twice, centuries after his death,” said Sky News reported.

Researchers were able to inspect the body for the first time using three-dimensional computer tomography (CT) technology. According to the Evening Standard, Egyptologists knew that the corpse had been discovered once in the 11th century BCE, more than four centuries after its mummification and burial, after decoding the hieroglyphics.

Moreover, according to experts, the priests who repaired and reburied it not only restored the damage caused by the tomb robbers but also reused the royal funeral material. However, Dr Sahar Saleem, professor of radiology at Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine and radiologist for the Egyptian Mummy Project, and lead author of the research, said the results refuted those beliefs, according to Sky News. The research was published Tuesday in the journal Frontiers in Medicine.

The results of research on the pharaoh Amenhotep

Saleem said: “This fact that the mummy of Amenhotep I was never unboxed in modern times has given us a unique opportunity, not only to study how it was originally mummified and buried, but also how he had been treated and buried twice, centuries after his death, by the high priests of Amun. ” She went on to say that Pharaoh Amenhotep I was around 35 when he died.

According to research, the pharaoh was approximately 169cm tall, was circumcised and had healthy teeth. He donned 30 amulets and a one-of-a-kind golden belt with gold beads under his robes. he had a narrow chin, a small narrow nose, curly hair, and slightly protruding upper teeth, traits he shared with his father.

On top of that, Saleem said they had not yet located any injuries or deformities related to the disease to justify the cause of his death. She added: “With the exception of numerous postmortem mutilations, presumably by grave robbers after her first burial,” Sky News reported. Additionally, she said the first mummifiers took her insides, but not her brain or heart.

Pharaoh Amenhotep I reigned from around 1525 to 1504 BC. His name means “Amon is satisfied” in reference to Amun, the ancient Egyptian deity of the air.

(Image: Unspalsh / Representative Image)