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The Surprising Aromas of Egyptian Mummies

At first glance, the act of sniffing the remnants of an ancient corpse might seem uninviting. However, researchers exploring the scents of well-preserved Egyptian mummies discovered that the experience can be unexpectedly pleasant.

“In popular culture, there are often negative consequences for those who encounter mummified remains,” stated Cecilia Bembibre, who oversees research at University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Heritage. “Our findings revealed that the aromas were surprisingly agreeable.”

Descriptors such as “woody,” “spicy,” and “sweet” emerged in what resembled a wine tasting more than a study of cadaveric odors. Additional scents noted included floral undertones, likely due to the pine and juniper resins traditionally employed in the embalming process.

The recent study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, utilized chemical analysis together with feedback from a group of trained human evaluators to assess the odors emitted from nine mummies ranging in age up to 5,000 years. These mummies were either stored away or on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The motivation behind this research stems from the long-held fascination surrounding the scents associated with mummies, a subject that has intrigued diverse fields including archaeology, history, conservation, and even fiction. Bembibre noted the significance of scent in the mummification process, which included the application of oils, waxes, and balms intended to preserve the body for the afterlife. The practice of mummification was primarily reserved for the elite, with agreeable fragrances symbolizing purity and divinity, while unpleasant scents suggested rot and decay.

Without directly sampling the mummies—an action deemed invasive—the interdisciplinary team from UCL and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia successfully identified the sources of the aromas. They determined whether scents originated from the mummies, surrounding pesticides or conservation materials, or from deterioration caused by mold and other microorganisms.

“We initially had concerns about detecting evidence of rotting flesh, but this was not found,” remarked Matija Strlič, a chemistry professor at the University of Ljubljana. “Worries about potential microbial degradation were also unfounded, indicating that the museum environment is conducive to preservation.”

Employing sophisticated instruments to analyze and quantify the airborne molecules emitted from sarcophagi marked a significant achievement in archaeological research, akin to discovering the Holy Grail, according to Strlič. “This method offers insights into the social status of the mummies, allowing for a greater understanding of their historical context and relevance for conservators, curators, and archaeologists,” he explained. “The implications of this approach could extend to numerous museum collections.”

Barbara Huber, a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany, who did not participate in this study, acknowledged its contribution to identifying compounds that may both preserve and jeopardize the integrity of mummified remains. Such insights could play a crucial role in safeguarding these historical artifacts for future generations.

Nonetheless, Huber highlighted a crucial consideration: the scents detected in contemporary analyses do not necessarily reflect those present during the time of mummification. Over millennia, factors such as evaporation, oxidation, and varying storage conditions have substantially altered the original scent profiles.

In her prior research, Huber examined residues from a vessel that contained mummified organs belonging to a noblewoman, using the findings to trace the sources of embalming ingredients and their implications for ancient trade routes. She then collaborated with a perfumer to recreate the embalming aroma, termed “Scent of Eternity,” for an exhibition at the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark.

The research team envisions a similar endeavor, aiming to develop “smellscapes” that mimic the aromas identified in their study, thereby enriching the museum experience for visitors. “Museums have often been described as sterile environments, focusing primarily on visual engagement,” Bembibre posited. “Viewing mummies through glass cases diminishes the overall experience, as we miss out on understanding the mummification process in a more layered, sensory manner, which is essential for our connection to history.”

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