What do ancient Egyptian mummies smell like? Probably not what you think

Study shows mummification process left preserved remains smelling sweet and woody

CAIRO — Ancient Egyptian mummies don’t smell the way most people might expect. Instead of the musty odor often associated with old tombs and artifacts, many mummies give off surprisingly pleasant scents — woody, spicy, and sweet aromas that provide researchers with valuable insights into ancient burial practices and modern museum preservation.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society has mapped out these unexpected scents through the first systematic analysis of mummy aromatics. Working with nine mummified bodies at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, researchers discovered that these ancient remains carry distinct pleasant aromas that have persisted across millennia.

In ancient Egyptian culture, scents played a profound role in both religious and practical aspects of mummification. Pleasant aromas weren’t just about making things smell nice – they represented divine presence and spiritual purity. The ancient Egyptians used specific words to describe the spectrum of decay, from “rpw” (rot) to “hw3t” (putrefaction), and “iwtyw” (corruption). These terms appear in ancient funerary texts, highlighting how crucial it was to prevent these processes through careful preservation techniques.

The practice of mummification evolved significantly over time. During the Predynastic period (around 5000 BCE), bodies were preserved naturally by the hot, dry desert sand. By the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE), embalmers began using natron – a natural mixture of sodium carbonate and other salts – along with resins and aromatic materials. The process reached its peak of sophistication during the New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE), when embalmers employed a complex array of fragrant substances including coniferous resins, oils from cedar and pine, precious spices, and aromatic gums like frankincense and myrrh.

Scientists examined nine mummies that showcase this evolution of preservation techniques. Five were kept in storage areas, while four were displayed in museum galleries. These mummies span different historical periods and likely represent various social classes, offering insights into how mummification practices varied based on wealth and status.

Their investigation revealed surprising differences between mummies kept in storage and those on display. Display-case mummies produced a richer variety of scents, particularly pleasant-smelling organic compounds called terpenoids, lactones, and phenolics. This difference might stem from better preservation conditions in sealed display cases, which trap and preserve ancient aromas that would otherwise dissipate.

“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,” said Dr. Cecilia Bembibre, from the University College London’s Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources, in a statement.

“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.”

Using sophisticated analysis techniques, the scientists identified four distinct sources of mummy scents. First are the original mummification materials – ancient resins, oils, and spices that still retain their aromatic properties after thousands of years. Second are plant oils used by modern conservators to help preserve the remains. Third are synthetic pesticides applied during previous conservation efforts. Finally, some scents come from natural biological processes that continue even in preserved remains.

Researchers note that the synthetic pesticides they found weren’t documented in conservation records. While these chemicals pose no immediate health risks, their discovery points to the need for better documentation of preservation treatments.

One fascinating discovery emerged when researchers compared mummies from different time periods. Those from the Late Period (664-332 BCE) shared remarkably similar scent profiles, suggesting standardized embalming practices during this era. The best-preserved specimen, dating to the New Kingdom period, revealed unique sweet and fruity aromas created by chemical compounds called lactones. These special scents might indicate the deceased person’s elevated social status, as higher-quality and more expensive materials were used in their mummification.

Microbiological analysis revealed another layer of complexity. The research team identified various species of bacteria and fungi present on the mummies, including some known to contribute to the preservation process. These microorganisms produce their own volatile compounds, adding subtle notes to the overall aromatic profile while generally remaining at levels safe for both artifacts and museum visitors.

Beyond pure scientific interest, this research does provide practical applications for museum conservation. The identification of the synthetic pesticides in some specimens highlights the need for careful monitoring of preservation methods. Additionally, the study detected signs of active microbiological activity, though thankfully at levels below health and safety concerns.

“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,” said study co-author, Professor Ali Abdelhalim, director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. “The practice evolved over time, and identifying different techniques and materials used offers insights into the era, location and socioeconomic status of the individual being mummified.”