Ancient Egyptian Mummies Surprise with Pleasant Aromas, Researchers Discover

A recent study has found that 5,000-year-old mummies from ancient Egypt emit surprisingly pleasant aromas, described as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet." This discovery not only offers a unique sensory experience for museum-goers but also has implications for mummy conservation techniques.

 

Scientists studying nine mummies in Egypt uncovered that even after millennia, the mummified bodies exude delightful scents rather than the expected foul odours. Characterized as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet," each mummy displayed a unique intensity of these pleasant aromas. Dr. Cecilia Bembibre, a researcher involved in the study, shared plans to chemically recreate these scents for display in Cairo's Egyptian Museum, allowing visitors to engage with the past in a novel, multisensory way.

Historically, the ancient Egyptians utilized fragrant oils, balms, and waxes during the mummification process to prepare souls for their journey into the afterlife.

Despite the common belief that encountering mummies leads to unpleasant experiences, Dr. Bembibre expressed her surprise at the pleasantness of these ancient remnants. The research team from UCL and the University of Ljubljana ingeniously extracted the scents without disturbing the mummies by using a tiny tube, a non-invasive method that preserves the integrity of the archaeological findings.

Ally Louks, an English literature supervisor at Cambridge University, considers this sensory exploration an innovative means of historical engagement. "Smell has profound emotional and physical effects," she stated, underlining the significance of scents in ancient Egyptian life.

Furthermore, the unique findings may allow scholars to infer a mummy's social standing based on the scents detected. Another researcher, Matija Strlič, emphasized the potential of their approach for various museum collections, enhancing the interaction between visitors and historical artifacts.

In addition to increasing public interest, this aroma analysis could advance mummy conservation practices. Utilizing gas chromatography, researchers identified odours from the breakdown of embalming fats, which might indicate decomposing bodies. This knowledge could lead to more effective strategies for preserving mummies and ensuring their protection for future generations, Dr. Bembibre concluded.