The secrets of Ancient Egypt have long been unearthed through hieroglyphs, tomb excavations, and X-ray scans, but now, researchers are turning to an unexpected method—smell.
Scientists are literally sniffing ancient mummies to analyze their preservation state, revealing a hidden sensory connection to the past. Could the aromas lingering around these 3,500-year-old bodies hold the key to non-invasive preservation studies?
The Scent Of History
At first glance, the idea of smelling a mummy might sound bizarre, even unsettling. But for researchers, it offers a groundbreaking way to understand mummification techniques, conservation treatments, and environmental effects—all without physically disturbing the fragile remains.
A team of scientists, led by Prof. Matija Strlič from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana, recently conducted an olfactory investigation on nine Egyptian mummies stored at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
These mummies, dating from the New Kingdom (circa 1500 BCE) to the Roman period (circa 500 CE), were analyzed using both human noses and high-tech chemical instruments.
What Do Mummies Smell Like?
The researchers used small tubes and air pumps to extract scent samples from around each mummy. These samples were then analyzed by eight trained sniffers, who rated the intensity of 13 distinct odors. The results were fascinating:
- Many mummies emitted a pleasant scent, defying the expectation of decay.
- Woody, spicy, and sweet notes were the most common.
- Some mummies had incense-like fragrances, hinting at the use of resins and oils in mummification rituals.
- A few samples carried stale, rancid, or moldy odors, possibly due to microbial activity or environmental exposure over time.
A Time Capsule For The Senses
For Dr. Cecilia Bembibre, a co-author of the study and one of the trained sniffers, the experience of inhaling these ancient scents was both surreal and profound.
“Just the idea that you can put your nose to that little tube and smell a mummified body with 3,500 years of history and then, the most surprising thing, still get a whiff of something so incredibly familiar as tea … that was surprising, because some smells were really familiar.”
This research offers more than just scientific data; it provides a sensory connection to the past, allowing us to experience the world of the ancient Egyptians in a deeply personal way.
What Does This Mean For The Future Of Mummy Research?
Traditionally, studying a mummy’s preservation state required physical sampling—extracting small portions of tissue, wrappings, or resins. But this new approach suggests that smell analysis could offer a non-invasive alternative, reducing the risk of damaging these precious artifacts.
“While neither approach can fully recreate the exact fragrance of the past, both bring us closer to understanding how mummies were prepared, what materials were used, and how scent played a role in ancient rituals and beliefs,” she added.
