The mystery behind the ancient Egyptian mummy known as the Screaming Woman may have finally been solved. Scientists have discovered that she may have died in agony around 3,000 years ago, experiencing a rare event called a cadaveric spasm at the moment of death. This condition caused her muscles to stiffen, capturing her suffering in an immortalized state.
While the exact cause of her death remains unknown, cadaveric spasms are typically associated with violent deaths under extreme physical conditions and intense emotions. The Screaming Woman’s alarming expression has puzzled experts for nearly a century. However, new analysis using CT scans has shed light on this mystery.
Cairo University radiology professor Sahar Saleem, who led the study, described the mummy as a “true time capsule” that preserves the final moments of her life. The mummy was discovered during a 1935 archaeological expedition at Deir el-Bahari, near Luxor, Egypt, beneath the tomb of the architect Senmut. She was found inside a wooden coffin with unique features such as a black wig made from date palm fibers treated with crystals, gold, and silver scarab rings on her fingers.
Further analysis revealed that her natural hair was dyed with henna and juniper, she had lost or broken teeth, and she suffered from mild arthritis of the spine. Despite classic mummification methods involving the removal of internal organs, the Screaming Woman’s organs were intact. Researchers found evidence of costly embalming materials like juniper and frankincense, contradicting previous beliefs of poor embalming practices.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, challenges existing theories about the mummy’s expression and embalming process. The detailed examination conducted by Professor Saleem and her team provides valuable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and the preservation of human remains. By unlocking the secrets of the Screaming Woman, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of life and death in ancient Egypt.
