Computed tomography of the heads of ancient Egyptian mummies: a systematic review of the medical literature (original) (raw)
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CT Imaging of human mummies: A critical review of the literature (1979-2005)
The number of computerised tomography (CT) investigations of mummies has increased since the first published study in 1979. However, this approach has never been validated. We present a critical analysis of the literature (1979 to 2005). Relevant articles were selected via a MedLine search and analysed according to CT technique, methodology, and author's speciality. Thirty-one original articles matched our selection criteria. Of these studies, 42% were authored by radiologists, while 26% had no contribution from radiologists. Hypothesis-driven papers comprised only 9.7% of the total. While 84% of the studies had a stated purpose for conducting the CT study, only 67% of studies defined their CT protocol clearly. CT was used to study mummification techniques in 74% of instances, and/or to detect disease in 58%. Conclusions based on CT analysis were derived in 84% of studies, but only 32% of these answered specific questions. Furthermore, only 36% of these conclusions were related to the stated purpose of the study. Using the criteria of the grading system we developed, we found that 61% of studies were supported only by weak evidence. We conclude that evidence-based research with better design should be encouraged in future palaeoradiological studies.
Paleoradiology: Advanced CT in the Evaluation of Nine Egyptian Mummies
RadioGraphics, 2002
Axial thin-collimation state-of-the-art spiral computed tomography (CT) was combined with sagittal and coronal reformatting, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, and virtual "fly-through" techniques to nondestructively study nine Egyptian mummies. These techniques provided important paleopathologic and historical information about mummification techniques, depicted anatomy in the most informative imaging plane, illustrated the soft-tissue preservation and physical appearance of mummies in superb detail, and generated an intriguing virtual tour through hollow mummified remains without harming the specimens themselves. Images generated with these methods can help archaeologists and Egyptologists understand these fascinating members of mankind and can serve as adjunct visual aids for laypersons who are interested in mummies. CT has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for the examination of Egyptian mummies due to its noninvasive cross-sectional nature and inherently superior contrast and spatial resolution. As multi-detector row CT and postprocessing tools evolve, the capabilities and applications of CT will continue to proliferate, attesting to the expanded versatility and utility of CT as a noninvasive research tool in the multidisciplinary study of Egyptian mummies.
Anthropological Study of the Ancient Egyptian Mummy Based on the Computed Tomography Method
Anthropology, 2018
This work presents the results of complex paleoanthropological research using the method of computed tomography of the ancient Egyptian mummy, stored in the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (Moscow, Russia) (Inv. No. I,1a 5301). According to the inventory, this is a mummy of Khor-ha, which dates from the VII-IV centuries BC. Over the mummy of Khor-kha lies a grid of blue faience beads, characteristic of the Late period of Egyptian history. For magnetic resonance scanning, Siemens Magnetom Verio magnetic field strength 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used. Further, measurements of the skeleton were made on the frames. It was found that a number of morphological features of the pelvis and skull of the individual was a woman, her age was about 25 years. The skull of the mummy is close to the average size of the horizontal circle and transverse arc. A number of measurements suggest a medium-high skull. The sagittal arc is large for women, that is, the skull is quite elongated. Form of the cranium when viewed from above pentagonic, that is, the greatest width of the skull is shifted back. The facial part of the skull is narrow and relatively high. On the scales of the frontal bone has overgrown metopic suture. Unusually strong for women's development have the upper nuchal line (linea nuchae superior), which represent the massive structure. In vivo body length amounted to about 158 cm. relatively shortened upper extremities and especially the forearm. For this individual is characterized by a pronounced graceful skeleton of hands and feet. Muscle relief is moderately developed in general.
2008
An ancient Egyptian mummy skull from the Zoological Collection Marburg, Germany, was examined using computer assisted tomography. In this skull (referred to as Mummy skull no. 24) of a man who lived circa 50 BC we found three of his teeth in the cranial cavity. They had been retained after their loss caused by periodontal disease, and were inserted into the cranial cavity via a trans-sphenoidal hole, probably during the process of mummification. In this article we describe the reasons for the loss of these three teeth and consider possible motivations for this extraordinary conservation. We believe this is the first time such a procedure has been reported. It is discussed in an historical-religious context, emphasizing the mythological background. Furthermore, the medico-pharmaceutical methods to cure periodontal disease are described with reference to the ancient Egyptian medical papyrus Ebers-in the case of Mummy skull no. 24 one of the causes of loss of teeth.
Paleoradiology: Advanced CT In the Evaluation of Nine Egyptian Mummies1
Radiographics, 2002
Axial thin-collimation state-of-the-art spiral computed tomography (CT) was combined with sagittal and coronal reformatting, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, and virtual fly-through techniques to nondestructively study nine Egyptian mummies. These techniques provided important ...
Oral Surgery, Oral …, 2009
Objective. The aim of the study was to provide a paleopathologic and radiologic overview of the jaws and teeth of 3 Egyptian mummies preserved in the Civic Museum of History and Art in Trieste. Computerized tomography (CT) imaging and postprocessing techniques were used to examine the oral structures. Study design. A 16-slice CT scanner was used (Aquilion 16; Toshiba Medical Systems Europe, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). Scans were obtained at high resolution. Orthogonal-plane and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created along with curved reconstructions of the lower and upper jaws. Determination of decayed/missing teeth (DMT) and decayed/missing/tooth surfaces (DMTs) were made with 3D images. Results. Analyses revealed differences in the embalming techniques and state of preservation of the bodies. Marked wear of the occlusal surfaces was a characteristic finding in all of the mummies. The DMT and DMTs were low compared with values for contemporary populations. Two mummies had fully erupted third molars. All mummies exhibited bone changes consistent with periodontitis. Conclusion. The CT evaluations of the oral structures of the mummies provided insight into the dental status and oral diseases of these ancient Egyptians. The low DMT and DMTs values and indications of periodontitis may be associated with the lifestyle of these Egyptians. The fully erupted and well aligned third molars may represent a morphologic adaptation of the arches to the muscular activity associated with grinding tough foods.
Egyptian Mummies and Radiology: A Closer Link
Yearbook of Mummy Studies 2011 (1): 37-44, 2011
Mummification was abolished in the seventh century AD. After that date, mummies began to capture the collective imagination, creating a mysterious fascination that still continues today. From the beginning, the radiological study of Egyptian mummies allowed the collection of medical, as well as anthropological and archaeological, evidence. Shortly after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, Petrie performed one of the first radiological studies of an Egyptian mummy. By the end of the 1970s, computed tomography (CT) scanning permitted more in-depth studies to be carried out. From CT images it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the mummy which provides important new information, also thanks to virtual endoscopic technique known as 'fly-through'. Moreover, starting from CT data and using graphic software, an image of the face of the mummified individual at the time of death can now be reconstructed. The history of imaging, from the simplest to the most sophisticated technique, allows the appreciation of the importance of radiological studies of Egyptian mummies.
2015
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Systematic facial mutilations during mummification have never been described before. The purpose of this work was to study a wrapped mummified head using high-resolution CT scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An isolated mummified head from the Egyptian Middle Kingdom was scanned at 200 m isotropic resolution. A prototype flat panel CT scanner was used to generate 800 nonoverlapping CT sections at 120 kV and 50 mA. This dataset was analyzed to discern various surgical alterations during mummification. RESULTS: There were large defects in the cribriform plate and the posterior fossa. Systematic mutilations of the facial bones and mandible, involving the anterior and inferior walls of the maxillary sinuses, the floor of both orbits, and the zygomatic arches with contiguous segments of the zygomas, were demonstrated. The coronoid processes of both mandibles had been sharply excised and the articular tubercles of the temporomandibular joints fractured. CONCLUSION: D...
The role of computed axial tomography in the study of the mummies of Akhmim, Egypt
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale
For more than a quarter century, computed axial tomography (CT) has given Egyptologists an increasingly sophisticated, non-invasive means of examining the interior of mummified bodies. What has been lacking from mummy studies to date is a regional focus confining itself to a single, defined population which makes its comparisons within narrowly defined limits of time and space. A study of Akhmimic mummies, hundreds of which entered the museum collections of Europe, America and elsewhere late in the 19th century, promises to greatly benefit the study of Egyptian mummification generally while gathering specific data on Akhmim’s priestly population of the Ptolemaic period (332-30 BC). Recent CT examination of two female mummies from Akhmim has underscored the importance of considering features other than those on the traditional list of mummy contents. While amulets, visceral packets, and linen wadding have been noted for years, it is clear that they existed side by side with objects t...