Virtual autopsy shows screaming woman died in agony

A recent study reveals that a 3,500-year-old mummy known as the “Screaming Woman” suffered a death filled with agony. Virtual autopsies performed on the mummy, discovered in an Egyptian tomb in 1935, show that her final moments were marked by a painful spasm that left her face in a screaming expression.

The “Screaming Woman” was embalmed using luxurious imported substances, including juniper resin and frankincense, which contributed to her exceptional preservation. The detailed CT scan of the mummy, published in the magazine Frontiers in Medicine revealed on August 2, 2024, that her organs were intact and well-preserved, a rarity for mummies from that era. These substances, likely brought from the eastern Mediterranean or East Africa, were used to protect the body from decay caused by bacteria and insects. Her unique embalming process contrasts with the common practice of removing organs during mummification during the New Kingdom period.

This mummy was adorned with a black wig made of date palm fibers and two scarab rings. The wig’s composition included crystals to enhance its color and stiffness, a detail that highlights the complexity of ancient Egyptian funerary rituals.

The mummy’s pronounced open mouth has been attributed to a mortuary spasm, a condition in which muscles become rigid due to extreme pain or stress immediately before death. This finding suggests that the woman may have died in severe distress, unlike other mummies found with similar facial expressions.
The study also provided insight into the woman’s physical condition. She was about 48 years old when she died, was about 5 feet tall and showed signs of mild arthritis and several missing teeth.

The “Screaming Woman” remains a significant subject of study, offering a glimpse into the life and death of ancient Egyptians. Her well-preserved remains continue to be studied, yielding valuable information about her health, lifestyle, and the mummification techniques of her time.