In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that mummified bodies from ancient Egypt, encased for 5,000 years, still emit surprisingly pleasant odors. The research team, consisting of scientists from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, has recreated the chemical composition of these ancient scents to provide museum visitors with an immersive experience of ancient Egyptian culture. By employing innovative techniques, they measured the scent without damaging the precious artifacts. This discovery not only sheds light on the olfactory aspects of mummification but also offers potential breakthroughs for conservators in preserving these historical treasures.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, challenges the notion perpetuated in films and literature that dreadful things befall those who dare to inhale the aroma of mummified remains. Contrary to popular belief, the scents were described as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet." Dr. Bembibre, one of the researchers, remarked on the surprising pleasantness of these scents.
"We were surprised at the pleasantness of them." – Dr Bembibre
The mummification process in ancient Egypt involved surrounding the body with aromatic substances as a crucial element in preparing the spirit for the afterlife. Smells held significant importance in social, religious, and personal practices during that era. Ally Louks emphasized this cultural significance:
"We know smells were essential to social, religious and personal practises [in ancient Egypt]," – Ally Louks
To capture these elusive aromas, researchers inserted a tiny tube into the sarcophagus, allowing them to measure the scent without taking any physical samples. This non-destructive approach highlights a vital advancement in heritage science, as Dr. Bembibre noted:
"This is useful for conservators who care for this collection [as] we can ensure it reaches future generations," – Dr Bembibre
The findings suggest that these scents might even indicate the social class of the mummified individual, adding another dimension to understanding ancient Egyptian society. Dr. Louks praised the innovative way of communicating history through smells:
"To engage your nose produces a strong emotional and physical reaction," – Ally Louks
Visitors to museums will soon be able to experience ancient Egypt from a different perspective by engaging their sense of smell. The recreated aromas offer a unique way to connect with history, as Matija Strlič expressed optimism about its broader applications:
"We believe that this approach is potentially of huge interest to other types of museum collections," – Matija Strlič
Leave a Reply