Archaeological breakthrough as scientists create replicas of Egyptian mummies | World | News
Archaeologists have deployed a state-of-the-art scanner to examine the two Egyptian mummies of people who died over 2,000 years ago. The technology allowed them to gain a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient priests Nes-Min, who lived around 330 BCE, and Nes-Hor, who died in roughly 190 BCE.
Radiologists at Keck Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), used a 320-slice CT scanner to capture hundreds of images of the mummies. They revealed facial features and allowed researchers to visualise each mummy, which weigh around 200 lbs, as people.
The scans showed that Nes-Min likely suffered from chronic back pain due to a collapsed lumbar vertebra in his lower spine, GB News reported. The injury was consistent with long-term strain.
Meanwhile, Nes-Hor, who lived longer than Nes-Min, suffered from both extensive tooth decay and hip joint deterioration. Researchers believe the damage would have caused significant pain and limited his mobility.
Dr Summer Decker, director of the USC Center for Innovation in Medical Visualisation, said: “These scans provide a treasure trove of information made possible by Keck Medicine’s access to the latest in high-level scanning, coupled with the team’s expertise.”
She added: “The high-resolution images have revealed things that were previously unknown and helped create a picture of what their lives were like.”
The scans allowed the researchers to produce detailed three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the ancient priests. They produce physical replicas of their skulls, spines and hips.
The 3D replicas will now feature in “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” at the California Science Centre on Saturday, February 7. The event was launched in 2010 and has since toured across the world.
Dr Diane Perlov said: “Mummies have long been a mystery. Seeing beneath the surface to reveal the specific lived experience of individuals is incredibly exciting. This modern scientific technology offers us a powerful window into the world of ancient people and past civilizations that might otherwise be lost.”
