Ancient Egyptian Mummy Found Screaming--Here’s Why

Archaeologists have unraveled the mystery of Egypt's 'Screaming Woman' mummy, discovered in 1935 near Thebes in a tomb believed to belong to an architect who served Queen Hatshepsut. The newly published findings in Frontiers in Medicine suggest that the mummy's haunting expression could be due to a cadaveric spasm, meaning she might have died in great agony or pain. Cutting-edge scientific methods, including infrared spectroscopy and CT scans, revealed that despite her scream, she was embalmed with costly materials, indicating high-status burial practices. This contradicts earlier theories of poor funeral practices. The scans also provided insights into her health, showing she suffered from arthritis and primitive dental work.

The screaming facial expression may be caused by a cadaveric spasm, where the muscles lock in place due to rigorous activity right before death. This can result in the jaw remaining open, preserving a scream-like expression.

The 'Screaming Woman' mummy is an artifact from the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, a period known for its rich history and significant pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Tutankhamun. Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs, reigned for about 22 years and was known for promoting trade, building projects, and enhancing wealth and art. The mummy's discovery offers more profound insights into the era's burial practices and medical knowledge.