Archaeology & History

Scientists digitally 'unwrap' Egypt's Amenhotep I

By T.K. Randall
December 29, 2021 ·  1 comment

Osiride statue of Amenhotep I Image Credit: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) One of the few royal mummies yet to be unwrapped during modern times, Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep I was a warrior king who ruled for around 21 years between 1525 and 1504BC.

Interestingly, his original tomb has never been found; instead, his mummy was discovered at a site in Luxor where 21st-dynasty officials had hidden it to protect it from grave robbers.

Now at last, using a CT scanner, researchers have been able to digitally 'unwrap' Amenhotep I's remains to reveal more about his life, his death and even what he looked like.

"We show that Amenhotep I was approximately 35 years old when he died," said radiologist Sahar Saleem who noted that the pharoah bore a close resemblance to his father, Ahmose I.

"He was approximately 169cm tall [5ft 6in], circumcised, and had good teeth. Within his wrappings, he wore 30 amulets and a unique golden girdle with gold beads.""He had a narrow chin, a small narrow nose, curly hair, and mildly protruding upper teeth."

The incredible level of preservation is once again testament to the skills of the Egyptian embalmers.

"Mummified bodies were well preserved. Even the tiny bones inside the ears were preserved," she said. "No doubt Amenhotep's teeth were well-preserved."

"Many royal mummies had bad teeth, but Amenhotep I had good teeth."

As for how he had died, unfortunately the scans were unable to shine light on the mystery.

"We couldn't find any wounds or disfigurement due to disease to justify the cause of death," said Saleem.

Source: The Guardian | Comments (1)

Tags: Egypt, Mummy