A pregnant ancient egyptian mummy from the 1st century BC

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2021-08, Vol.132, p.105371, Article 105371
• Main Authors: Ejsmond, Wojciech, Ożarek-Szilke, Marzena, Jaworski, Marcin, Szilke, Stanisław
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeology of childhood; Bioarchaeology; Egyptian mummy; Egyptian religion; Non-invasive archaeology; Physical anthropology; Radiology
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2021.105371

Radiological examination of an ancient mummy said to have been found in royal tombs in Thebes, Upper Egypt, has proved it is the body of a pregnant woman. She came from the elite of Theban community and was carefully mummified, wrapped in fabrics, and equipped with a rich set of amulets. Closer examination has revealed that the woman died between 20 and 30 years of age together with the fetus in age between the 26th and 30th week of the pregnancy. This find is the only known case of an embalmed pregnant individual. This mummy provides new possibilities for pregnancy studies in ancient times, which can be compared with and related to current cases. Furthermore, this specimen sheds a light on an unresearched aspect of ancient Egyptian burial customs and interpretations of pregnancy in the context of ancient Egyptian religion. •This is the first known case of a pregnant embalmed body. It was found at Thebes and is dating to the 1st century BCE.•It opens up new possibilities of researching pregnancy in ancient times and practices related to maternity.•A critical approach of interpretation of Egyptian mummies is necessary, since many of them do not match their coffins.•The discovery opens up questions related to status of fetus in ancient Egyptian religion and society.