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Everlasting Agony: Mummy Reveals “Screaming Woman” Died in Pain 3500 Years Ago

2nd August 

Egyptian mummies are common. But some have left scientists puzzled more than others. The "Screaming Woman" mummy is one such mystery. 

Found with her mouth wide open, she looks like she's in mid-scream. This isn't normal for mummies. Egyptians usually tied the jaw to keep the mouth closed. So, what happened to this woman?

Scientists used modern technology to study her. They performed a "virtual autopsy" using CT scans. They found out that the open mouth wasn't because of poor mummification. Instead, it might show she died in great pain.

Time Capsule of Pain

"The Screaming Woman is a true ‘time capsule’ of her death and mummification,” said Sahar Saleem, a professor at Cairo University. 

This mummy was embalmed with expensive materials. Her body was well-preserved, which means the open mouth wasn’t due to poor mummification.

Saleem has studied many "screaming" mummies. In 2020, she examined another "Screaming Woman" mummy. 

This mummy, called Unknown Woman A, was found in the Royal Cache at Deir el Bahari near Luxor in 1881. This area was used to hide royal mummies to protect them from grave robbers.

A Prince's Fate

There was also a male "screaming" mummy found in the same cache. Identified as Pentawer, he was the son of Pharaoh Ramses III. 

He was part of a conspiracy to kill his father. The plot failed, and Pentawer was forced to commit suicide by hanging. His body was not properly mummified. It was wrapped in a goat's skin, considered impure, and placed in an unmarked coffin.

Unknown Woman A was wrapped in linen with inscriptions that read "Royal daughter, royal sister Meritamun." There were many princesses with that name, so her exact identity remained unclear. Some thought her open mouth was due to improper mummification, but Saleem and her team found otherwise.

Secrets in the Scan

Saleem and archaeologist Zahi Haas used CT scans to learn more about Unknown Woman A. They found she was an older woman, likely in her 50s, with severe heart disease. This probably led to a sudden death, causing her muscles and joints to stiffen. This could explain her unusual body position and open mouth.

Unlike Pentawer, this woman’s organs were removed, and her body cavity was filled with resin and scents. Her brain, however, was still in her skull. This detail suggested she might be Meritanum, daughter of Seqenenre Taa, from the 17th Dynasty.

Another "Screaming Woman"

Saleem turned her attention to another "Screaming Woman" mummy found in 1935 at Deir el Bahari. This mummy, stored at the Cairo Egyptian Museum, was discovered in a tomb built by Senmut, an architect under Queen Hatshepsut.

This mummy was found in a wooden coffin with no inscriptions. She had two scarab rings on her fingers and thin, wavy hair. She also had a wig made of fine braids. Saleem and her team used various scientific methods to study the mummy’s skin, hair, and wig.

A Life of Comfort?

The team found that the woman lost several teeth before she died, indicating dental practices in ancient Egypt. She was about 48 years old and around 5 feet tall. Surprisingly, her brain and organs were intact. This was unusual for mummification practices of that period.

The embalming materials used were costly, including juniper and frankincense. Her natural hair was dyed with henna and juniper, while her wig was treated with crystals to stiffen the braids. These rare materials showed the woman wasn't poorly embalmed. Instead, her screaming expression might have been due to a cadaveric spasm, suggesting a violent, painful death.

Beliefs and Practices

In ancient Egypt, mummification was a way to ensure a person's journey to the afterlife. The Egyptians believed in life after death and thought the body needed to be preserved for the soul to live on.

The mummification process was detailed and involved removing internal organs, which were placed in canopic jars, and treating the body with natron (a type of salt) to dry it out.

Embalming was a sacred art, and different techniques were used over time. By studying mummies, scientists learn about these methods and the lives of the people who lived thousands of years ago.

Mummies in African Culture

Mummification wasn't unique to Egypt. Other African cultures also practiced it. For example, in ancient Libya, mummies have been found dating back to 5,600 years ago. These practices varied, but the goal was the same: to preserve the body for the afterlife.

The technology used for mummification advanced over time. Early methods were simpler, but by the time of the New Kingdom in Egypt, the process had become highly sophisticated. The use of resins, oils, and elaborate wrappings became common.

Beliefs in the Afterlife

Egyptians had strong beliefs about the afterlife. They thought that after death, a person would face a series of trials before reaching the afterlife. The heart would be weighed against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the person would enter the afterlife. If it was heavier, they would be devoured by a monster.

These beliefs influenced their burial practices. Tombs were filled with items the deceased might need in the afterlife, including food, clothing, and jewelry. The tombs themselves were decorated with scenes from the deceased's life and prayers to help them on their journey.

The Modern Perspective

Today, mummies provide a window into the past. Through modern technology like CT scans and DNA analysis, scientists can learn about the health, diet, and even the diseases of ancient peoples. These studies also reveal much about their culture and beliefs.

The "Screaming Woman" mummies are a unique puzzle. Their open mouths, once thought to be a sign of poor mummification, now hint at possible stories of sudden, painful deaths. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle, helping us understand these ancient mysteries.