New research reveals what Ancient Egyptian mummies smell like

By Stephen Beech

Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell "sweet," "woody" and "spicy," reveals new research.

The study is the first time that the smells of mummified bodies have been systematically analyzed, combining a mix of instrumental and sensory techniques - including an electronic "nose" and trained, human "sniffers."

Nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies were studied in the research led by scientists from University College London (UCL) and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Their findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, offer fresh clues about the materials used in mummification and how practices and ingredients evolved.

The study also reveals details about how museums have subsequently conserved the remains.

The research team explained that smell was a key consideration for the ancient Egyptians during the mummification process, as pleasant odors were associated with the bodies of deities and their purity, while foul odors were considered indications of a body’s corruption and decay.

Even today, around 5,000 years later, conservators often describe the aroma of the mummified bodies as ‘pleasant’ as it is the product of coniferous resins and oils, such as pine, cedar, and juniper, gum resins - including myrrh and frankincense, and waxes.

The research team hopes that using similar kinds of chemical analysis can help keep museum workers safe, protect ancient artifacts and preserve their olfactory heritage.

Study lead author, Professor Matija Strlič, of UCL and the University of Ljubljana, said: “The smell of mummified bodies has for years attracted significant interest from experts and the general public, but no combined chemical and perceptual scientific study has been conducted until now.

"This ground-breaking research really helps us better plan conservation and understand the ancient embalming materials. It adds another layer of data to enrich the museum exhibition of mummified bodies.”

Dr. Cecilia Bembibre, of UCL, said: “Two aspects of this study stand out to me.

"First, new information was revealed by the smells, highlighting the importance of using our senses to understand the past.

“Secondly, while most of the studies on mummified bodies have taken place in European museums so far, here we worked closely with Egyptian colleagues to ensure their expertise and perceptual experience were represented, and we jointly developed an ethical and respectful approach to studying the mummified bodies.”

The research team explained that odors are chemical molecules suspended in air that have been given off by a substance.

They used a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer to measure and quantify chemicals emitted by nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies on display and in storage at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

A panel of trained human "sniffers" also described the smells in terms of quality, intensity, and pleasantness.

By combining the methods, the research team was able to identify whether a smell chemical was emitted by the archaeological item, from conservation products or pesticides that may have been added later, or from the item’s natural deterioration over the years because of molds, bacteria and other microorganisms.

They say the study showed the effectiveness of odor as a non-invasive and non-destructive method to chemically categorize and analyze ancient remains.

As well as gaining a deeper insight into the conservation and material history of ancient mummified bodies, the team says their findings will enable museums to engage audiences not just visually, but using their noses as well by creating "smellscapes."

They are planning a contemporary reconstruction of the smell of ancient mummified bodies,.

Study co-author Professor Ali Abdelhalim, director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, said: “To the ancient Egyptians, mummification was an important mortuary practice aimed at preserving the body and soul for the afterlife through a detailed ritual of embalming of the deceased using oils, waxes and balms."

He added: "The practice evolved over time, and identifying different techniques and materials used offers insights into the era, location and socio-economic status of the individual being mummified.”