Maria Virginia Sy

What do ancient Egyptian mummies smell like?

Article (news)

Reuters Wires

Scientists have found that ancient Egyptian mummified bodies emit woody, spicy, and sweet aromas, offering fresh insights into mummification process, practices and materials. The study, from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana, marks the first systematic analysis of mummy odours, combining advanced chemical analysis with personal sensory evaluations. &quot;Our nose is a fantastic tool to learn more about the past, so we decided to explore this idea of a nose as a diagnostic tool in the case of mummified bodies,&quot; said Dr Cecilia Bembibre from UCL&#x27;s Bartlett School of Environment, Energy &amp; Resources. Researchers examined nine mummified bodies from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo by collecting a sample of air from inside the sarcophagi - drawing 10-litres of air through a sampling tube - and then using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer to identify each chemical emission. &quot;Which is basically a technique that enables us to separate each of the volatile organic compounds or chemicals that are responsible for the overall smell and identify them and describe them,&quot; explained Bembibre A panel of trained human evaluators then described the smells’ quality, intensity, and pleasantness, she added. Findings revealed that the distinctive scents stem from coniferous resins, gum resins like myrrh and frankincense, and waxes used in ancient embalming processes. These odours, considered pleasant even today, reflect the ancient Egyptians’ belief that pleasant aromas signified divine purity, while foul smells indicated decay. The research, conducted with Egyptian conservators, also distinguished between original embalming materials and later conservation additives, such as pesticides. This non-invasive and non-destructive approach provides a new method for analysing ancient remains while ensuring their preservation, said Bembibre. &quot;This helps us understand better what kind of materials were used and how some of them have reached us thousands of years later,&quot; she said. The study also enhances understanding of mummification techniques, revealing variations tied to era, location, and socioeconomic status. Museums could now use these findings to create immersive “smellscapes,” allowing visitors to experience the olfactory heritage of ancient Egypt. &quot;Using our nose, we can learn more about history and heritage,&quot; added Bembibre, &quot;... working with perfumers and scientists to bring back these smells so people can experience them in museums and develop a personal emotional connection with heritage.&quot; (Production: Matt Stock)

Scientists from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana conduct the first systematic analysis of mummy odours, combining advanced chemical analysis with personal sensory evaluations.

Scientists from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana conduct the first systematic analysis of mummy odours, combining advanced chemical analysis with personal sensory evaluations.

What do ancient Egyptian mummies smell like?

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What do ancient Egyptian mummies smell like?

Reuters

Published May 22, 2025 04:37 PM PHT

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