AssetID: 54524138
Headline: Researchers Discover What Ancient Egyptian Mummies Smell Like
Caption: Scientists have discovered Mummified bodies from ancient Egypt have a surprisingly pleasant scent. A team of researchers analysed nine mummies and found that, despite variations in intensity, their odours could all be described as "woody", "spicy" and "sweet." By recreating these scents chemically, they hope to let others experience a mummy’s aroma while also helping to detect when decomposition might be setting in. "We want to share the experience we had smelling the mummified bodies, so we're reconstructing the smell to be presented in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo," Cecilia Bembibre, one of the researchers, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. In ancient Egypt, pleasant smells played a crucial role in preparing the spirit for the afterlife. Pharaohs and nobility were treated with oils, waxes, and balms during mummification to enhance this ritual. "In films and books, terrible things happen to those who smell mummified bodies," said Dr. Bembibre. "We were surprised at the pleasantness of them." The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, required researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana to extract scent molecules from inside the sarcophagus without disturbing the mummy. Using a tiny tube, they captured the aroma without taking physical samples. Dr. Bembibre explained that heritage scientists constantly seek "non-destructive" methods to uncover new insights. By bringing these scents to museum visitors, they aim to offer a fresh perspective on ancient Egypt and the mummification process. Ally Louks, an English literature supervisor at the University of Cambridge, praised the approach as a "really innovative" way to engage with history. "To engage your nose produces a strong emotional and physical reaction," she told the BBC. "We know smells were essential to social, religious and personal practices [in ancient Egypt]," Dr. Louks said. Matija Strlič, another researcher on the team, noted that the scents could even provide clues about a mummy’s social class. "We believe that this approach is potentially of huge interest to other types of museum collections," he said. Beyond enriching museum experiences, the discovery offers a new tool for mummy conservationists. Using gas chromatography, researchers identified odours linked to the breakdown of animal fats used in embalming, a potential sign of decomposition. Thanks to these findings, experts may soon be able to "practically intervene" in mummy preservation, adjusting storage and wrapping techniques to protect them for future generations. "This is useful for conservators who care for this collection [as] we can ensure it reaches future generations," Dr. Bembibre said.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,mummies,smell,nice,scent,discovery,history,ancient
PersonInImage: Dr. Abdelrazek Elnaggar sampling air into a bag for the purpose of sensory characterisation