What do ancient Egyptian mummies smell like? Probably not what you think

StudyFinds ^ | February 14, 2025 | Staff, Reviewed by Steve Fink

[SunkenCiv]

The practice of mummification evolved significantly over time. During the Predynastic period (around 5000 BCE), bodies were preserved naturally by the hot, dry desert sand. By the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE), embalmers began using natron – a natural mixture of sodium carbonate and other salts – along with resins and aromatic materials. The process reached its peak of sophistication during the New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE), when embalmers employed a complex array of fragrant substances including coniferous resins, oils from cedar and pine, precious spices, and aromatic gums like frankincense and myrrh.

Scientists examined nine mummies that showcase this evolution of preservation techniques. Five were kept in storage areas, while four were displayed in museum galleries. These mummies span different historical periods and likely represent various social classes, offering insights into how mummification practices varied based on wealth and status.

Their investigation revealed surprising differences between mummies kept in storage and those on display. Display-case mummies produced a richer variety of scents, particularly pleasant-smelling organic compounds called terpenoids, lactones, and phenolics. This difference might stem from better preservation conditions in sealed display cases, which trap and preserve ancient aromas that would otherwise dissipate.

[SunkenCiv]

A selection of the mummified bodies in the exhibition area of the Egyptian museum in Cairo.

Credit: Emma Paolin

[SunkenCiv]

[Organic Panic]

Probably smell like Nanci Pelosi

[ClearCase_guy]

[dfwgator]

They gave their lives for tourism.

[SunkenCiv]

That’s bein’ kinda mean to mummies.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Definitely not like Teen Spirit.

[laplata]

Probably smell better than Hillary Clinton.

[RoseofTexas]

Yep!😂🤣😂🤣 stinky pee!

[cport]

Coulda won a Grammy.

[dfwgator]

They should have used Odorono.

[Magnum44]

[BenLurkin]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.1-XTUucq4jbfz8ngmpyHRQHaLS%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=bf36ed3ff120cf5e2a5f988481649efdceff753ab738b4f6a9a355ec0c73c841&ipo=images

[MtnClimber]

I bet that they smell like dill pickles.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

They could have hung around like this guy;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0nK6dlbfmU

[dragnet2]

It smells like grandmas house.

[PGR88]

[Vendome]

I have been to local Rosicrucian museum here in Santa Clara, CA

I know what they smell like

Your line was LOL! perfect

[Lockbar]

I have been wondering about this all my life ..

[rexthecat]

You know, I’ve never wondered what a mummy smells like.