Student Article
3D Scans Reveal Secrets of Ancient Mummified Animals
Mummified (adjective): Preserved by drying and wrapping.
Ancient (adjective): Very old; from a long time ago.
Scan (verb): To look at something closely using special equipment.
Have you ever wondered what secrets ancient mummies might hold?
Scanning ancient animals with 3D tech
Scientists used 3D scanning technology to study three mummified animals from ancient Egypt. These animals, a cat, a bird, and a snake, lived more than 2,000 years ago! The scans showed the animals' bones and teeth in amazing detail.
What the scans revealed
The scientists found out that the cat was a kitten less than five months old. They also discovered that the snake was a young Egyptian cobra and the bird was similar to a Eurasian kestrel. The scans helped scientists learn about how these animals were mummified and what might have caused their deaths. For example, the kitten might have had its neck broken to keep its head upright during mummification. The snake had spine damage and kidney problems, which could mean it didn't get enough water. The bird's bones showed it was a type of bird called a kestrel.
New insights into ancient Egypt's beliefs
This discovery helps us understand more about how ancient Egyptians treated animals and their beliefs. Scientists hope to find more mummified animals to study and learn even more about ancient Egypt.
© Sara Rigby / Our Media
Mummified (adjective): Preserved by drying and wrapping.
Ancient (adjective): Very old; from a long time ago.
Scan (verb): To look at something closely using special equipment.