Mystery of the Ancient 'Screaming Woman' Mummy Solved

Scientists have provided an explanation for the 'Screaming Woman' mummy discovered in Egypt's Deir el-Bahari in 1935. Analysis using CT scans indicated she might have died in agony, causing a rare muscular stiffening called cadaveric spasm. She was 48 years old and well-preserved with costly embalming materials.

Scientists have finally provided an explanation for the mysterious 'Screaming Woman' mummy, discovered in 1935 at Egypt's Deir el-Bahari near Luxor. Through advanced CT scans, researchers revealed that the woman, who was approximately 48 years old, may have died in severe agony, leading to a rare muscular stiffening known as cadaveric spasm.

The study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, also noted that despite her anguished appearance, the mummy was well-preserved using costly materials like juniper oil and frankincense resin. This indicates the high quality of the mummification process during Egypt's New Kingdom period, around 3,500 years ago.

Radiology professor Sahar Saleem from Cairo University, who led the study, noted that the true cause of her death remains undetermined. The mummy was adorned with gold and silver rings and had a finely-crafted wig, suggesting she belonged to a high socioeconomic status. The rigid muscles in her face might explain the wide-open mouth, akin to Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream.'

(With inputs from agencies.)