How do we see inside mummies without breaking them?
CT scans allow researchers to look inside 3,000-year-old mummies without ever unwrapping them.
Archaeologists use medical CT scans to study fragile mummies without causing physical damage. These digital X-rays reveal skeletal structures, internal organs, and even the contents of a person's last meal. In 2005, a scan of King Tutankhamun suggested he died at age 19, possibly from a leg infection. This technology also uncovers hidden treasures like gold amulets tucked within the linen bandages. By creating 3D models, scientists can even reconstruct faces and print replicas of ancient skulls.
Nerd Mode
Computed Tomography (CT) technology has revolutionized Egyptology by providing a non-destructive way to analyze ancient remains. In 2005, a landmark project led by Dr. Zahi Hawass and a team of international scientists used a portable CT scanner to examine King Tutankhamun. This study produced over 1,700 high-resolution images that debunked the long-standing theory that the boy king was murdered by a blow to the head.The process works by taking thousands of X-ray measurements from different angles to create cross-sectional 'slices' of the body. Advanced software then compiles these slices into a detailed 3D digital model. This allows researchers to measure bone density, identify dental diseases, and locate ritual objects like the 143 amulets found on the mummy of Pharaoh Psusennes I without disturbing the delicate resin-soaked bandages.Beyond physical structures, CT scans can detect traces of ancient pathogens and parasites. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) used CT imaging and DNA analysis to identify malaria in several New Kingdom mummies. Today, institutions like the British Museum and the Smithsonian use industrial-grade micro-CT scanners to achieve resolutions as fine as a few micrometers, revealing even the texture of ancient textiles and the presence of dried insects.
Verified Fact
FP-0004470 · Feb 19, 2026