Images of 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed by scanner

The Telegraph ^ | 2/8/2009

[bruinbirdman]

Spectacular images from within the unopened casket of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy have been revealed using a hi-tech hospital scanner.

The elaborately decorated coffin contains the wrapped remains of Meresamun, a woman believed to have been a singer-priestess at a temple in Thebes in 800 BC.

"
Experts do not want to disturb the casket, which has remained sealed

Experts do not want to disturb the casket, which has remained sealed since Meresamun was laid to rest almost 1,000 years before the birth of Christ.

But now cutting edge X-ray technology has allowed scientists to peer through the coffin and obtain astonishing 3D images of the mummy, still wrapped in her linen bandages.

A state-of-the-art computed tomography CT scanner was used to peel away the layers and reveal Meresamun's skeleton.

The mummy's remaining internal organs can be seen, as well as what appear to be stones placed in her eye sockets.

Egyptologist Dr Emily Teeter, from the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute Museum, where a new exhibition featuring the mummy and CT images opens tomorrow, said: "It is so exciting to be able to see this. The mummy is still in the coffin. It is like having X-ray eyes to see the relationship between the coffin, the wrappings and amount of linen used."

Meresamun's identity is unclear. Her name, shown in an inscription on the casket, means "She Lives for Amun" (an Egyptian god).

According to the inscription she served as a "Singer in the Interior of the Temple of Amun", one of a number of priestess-musicians who performed during rituals dedicated to the god.

Meresamun was one of the higher ranking "interior" singers, some of whom served members of the Egyptian ruling family.

The scans suggest she was about five

[2banana]

What is on her eyes?

[svcw]

Wondered the same thing.

[JRandomFreeper]

Don't know, and I'm no doc, but I don't think she's going to be getting any better.

/johnny

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Bill Clinton would STILL do her.

[Yo-Yo]

http://www.mummytombs.com/egypt/insides.htm

[JRandomFreeper]

as well as what appear to be stones placed in her eye sockets.

Per the article.

/johnny

[tbpiper]

Oooooo. He looks really dead. I know cause watch CSI all the time.

[skr]

...what appear to be stones placed in her eye sockets.

[Marysecretary]

Article indicates stones on her eyes.

[Charles Henrickson]

"You know, if I were a single man, I might ask that mummy out. That's a good-looking mummy."

[NeoConfederate]

Word is 0bama and a team of top scientists are working on a rub-on salve that would bring her back to life in order for her to be taxed.

[bruinbirdman]

"Word is 0bama and a team of top scientists are working on a rub-on salve that would bring her back to life in order for her to be taxed so she can receive a tax rebate and vote Socialist. "

yitbos

[Sacajaweau]

Eyes: Says “appears to be stones”

[Ezekiel]

a woman believed to have been a singer-priestess at a temple in Thebes in 800 BC

Well, until she had a wardrobe malfunction.

And now for a ***must see*** blast from the past!

[cripplecreek]

Not guilty.

[Fractal Trader]

GGG ping

[ApplegateRanch]

astonishing 3D images of the "mummy

"Astonishing" barely covers it!

[backspace]

[Turret Gunner A20]

The mummy's remaining internal organs can be seen, as well as what appear to be stones placed in her eye sockets.