▲ Computed tomography image of the head of the mummy of Amenhotep I


A 3,500-year-old mummy in Egypt has been analyzed using advanced technology.



Egyptian scientists have succeeded in realizing the mummy of Amenhotep I in three dimensions using computed tomography and CT technology.



Amenhotep I was the second pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, who ushered in the era of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, from 1525 to 1504 BC.



In the meantime, many researchers have not been able to utilize the mummy in research to preserve it in its original state, but with the recent development of advanced technology, this time, it has identified specific body characteristics without removing the bandages.



Amenhotep I was 169 centimeters tall at the time of death and was about 35 years old when analyzed by archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawas and research team led by Professor Sahar Selim of the Department of Radiology at the University of Cairo.



Amenhotep I was circumcised and had healthy teeth, and showed external characteristics such as a narrow jaw, a small and thin nose bridge, curly hair, and slightly protruding front teeth.



In addition, the so-called 'Osiris posture' was also confirmed, in which the body was brought together toward the chest as if folded arms.



The mummies also had brains left, unlike most mummies of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs who had their brains emptied and embalmed with a semi-solid resin filling.




A three-dimensional radiograph also confirmed a belt consisting of 30 amulets and 34 golden eggs between the mummy and the cloth wrapped around the mummy.



However, no trauma or deformity could be found to suggest the cause of Amenhotep I's death.



Dr. Hawas said, "For the first time in more than 3,000 years, using computer technology, we have succeeded in removing the cloths wrapped around the body of King Amenhotep I."



The mummy of Amenhotep I was first discovered in 1881 in southern Luxor, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Egypt.



The 23rd dynasty priests dug the so-called 'Valley of the Kings' in a valley on the west bank of the Nile to avoid robbery, rebuilt tombs and hid the pharaoh's mummies here.



Scholars moved to Cairo, the capital city, from 1881 to 1896 to study the mummies of the pharaohs excavated here, but the mummy of Amenhotep I has been preserved to prevent damage.



(Photo=Provided by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Relic, Yonhap News)