Scientists Discover Unexpected Aromas in Egyptian Mummies: Surprising Findings Reveal Pleasant Scents

LONDON — Imagine sniffing the scent of an ancient corpse. It sounds off-putting, right? Surprisingly, researchers found that well-preserved Egyptian mummies actually have a pleasant smell.

Cecilia Bembibre, a researcher at University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Heritage, shared that the smells were not what they expected. “In movies and books, terrible things happen to those who smell mummies,” she noted. Yet, they discovered these scents can be quite delightful.

The researchers described the mummies’ aromas as “woody,” “spicy,” and “sweet.” Some scents even had floral notes, likely from the pine and juniper resins used in the embalming process.

This study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, analyzed the smells from nine mummies, some dating back 5,000 years. The samples were taken from mummies stored or displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Bembibre explained that mummies have long fascinated researchers and the public alike. Scent was a significant part of mummification. The oils, waxes, and balms used were believed to preserve not just the body but also the spirit for the afterlife.

The mummification practice was mainly for pharaohs and nobility. Pleasant smells symbolized purity and deities, while unpleasant odors indicated decay.

Instead of invasive sampling, the researchers employed advanced techniques to identify the scents. They measured air molecules around the sarcophagi, ruling out odors from decay or contamination. Matija Strlič, a chemistry professor, expressed relief that they didn’t detect any signs of microbial degradation, indicating a good preservation environment in the museum.

Using this innovative approach is exciting. Strlič noted that it may reveal details about the social class of the mummies, which could interest curators and archaeologists.

Barbara Huber, a researcher from the Max Planck Institute, acknowledged the findings. They provide critical insights into compounds that can either preserve or harm mummified remains. This understanding can help protect these ancient treasures for future generations.

However, Huber cautioned that the smells detected now aren’t necessarily the same as they were thousands of years ago. Changes over time, including evaporation and storage conditions, have altered the original scents significantly.

Huber previously analyzed residue from a jar containing mummified organs, identifying the embalming ingredients. She even collaborated with a perfumer to recreate the embalming scent, titled “Scent of Eternity,” for an exhibition in Denmark.

Building on this, the current study’s researchers hope to develop immersive “smellscapes” for museums. They aim to recreate the scents identified in their research, enhancing the visitor experience.

Bembibre reflected on how museums often focus on visuals. “Observing mummified bodies through glass reduces the experience,” she said. Smells can deepen our understanding and engagement with history, making it more relatable.