The royal mummies in the Cairo Museum are an important source of information about the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The remains of these pharaohs and queens can inform us about their age at death and medical conditions from which they may have suffered, as well as the mummification process and objects placed within the wrappings. Using the latest technology, including Multi-Detector Computed Tomography and DNA analysis, co-authors Zahi Hawass and Sahar Saleem present the results of the examination of royal mummies of the Eighteenth to Twentieth Dynasties. New imaging techniques not only reveal a wealth of information about each mummy, but render amazingly lifelike and detailed images of the remains. In addition, utilizing 3D images, the anatomy of each face has been discerned for a more accurate interpretation of a mummy's facial features. This latest research has uncovered some surprising results about the genealogy of, and familial relationships between, these ancient individuals, as well as some unexpected medical finds. Historical information is provided to place the royal mummies in context, and the book with its many illustrations will appeal to Egyptologists, paleopathologists, and non-specialists alike, as the authors seek to uncover the secrets of these most fascinating members of the New Kingdom royal families.

The latest discoverings about the royal mummies and what they reveal about the life and death of ancient Egyptians

About the Author
Zahi Hawass is one of the world's best known Egyptologists, former Egyptian minister of state for antiquities, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. He is the author of many books on ancient Egypt, including Discovering Tutankhamun: From Howard Carter to DNA (AUC Press, 2013). Sahar Saleem, professor of radiology at Cairo University, is a specialist in advanced imaging technology with experience in paleoradiology.

Reviews

Named an Outstanding Academic Title of the Year by CHOICE

"Essential. A superb, semi-popular account of the results of CT imaging performed on several New Kingdom Egyptian royal mummies. . . . The results are sometimes surprising but always fascinating. . . . This book will be of great interest not only to scholars but to anyone else fascinated by Egyptian mummies."-Choice

"[A] remarkable book. The scans are reproduced for all to see and an extensive section of color images provides information never before reported. The comprehensive bibliography is also a contribution. This volume sets a high standard for future scans of the mummies of ancient Egypt."-Bob Brier, Journal of the American Oriental Society

"This publication is certainly a great step forward on the path to the discovery and understanding of the life and thought of the ancient Egyptians through multidisciplinary research on the royal mummies."-Bretislav Vachala, Archiv Orientalni

"Fascinating and well-organized . . . incredibly appealing. Imaging professionals and those who are interested in ancient history will find this book fascinating."-Patti Hensel, Radiologic Technology

Book Information
ISBN 9789774168871
Author Zahi Hawass
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint The American University in Cairo Press
Publisher The American University in Cairo Press
Weight(grams) 1047g