Ancient Egyptian Mummy Reveals Signs of Agony Before Death

Recent research on an ancient Egyptian mummy known as the “screaming woman” suggests that she may have died in agony or pain at the age of 48. The mummy’s mouth, wide open as if in a scream, could be a sign of suffering before death, potentially caused by postmortem spasm.

According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine on Friday, conducted by Sahar Saleem, a professor of radiology at the University of Cairo, and Samia El-Merghani, a member of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the “screaming woman” is not the first mummy found with an open mouth. Other mummies associated with Egyptian royalty have been discovered in a similar pose.

For example, Prince Pentawere, who was found to have conspired to assassinate his father Ramesses III, and the daughter of King Sekenenre Taa of the 18th dynasty, were both found with their mouths open. The latter mummy showed signs of a sudden death due to a heart attack, as indicated by computed tomography scans.

Unlike these cases, the cause of death of the “screaming woman” remains unknown due to limited identification clues and inconclusive diagnostic tests. However, the location and embalming materials used suggest a possible familial connection to Senemute, a royal architect during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut.

Moreover, the meticulous embalming process and burial position of the “screaming woman” imply a non-royal status, contrasting with the usual pose of royalty in burial. The open mouth of the mummy is attributed to postmortem spasm, a rare phenomenon that occurs immediately after death.

Despite the ongoing mysteries surrounding the “screaming woman” mummy, researchers have uncovered some intriguing details about her stature and dental health. Standing at an estimated height of 1.54 meters, the mummy exhibited missing teeth, possibly intentionally extracted, without any signs of periodontal disease or cavities.

In conclusion, while the exact cause of the mummy’s facial expression remains uncertain, the study sheds light on the intriguing history and potential suffering of the ancient Egyptian woman known as the “screaming woman.”