Archaeologists Find Preserved Fetus in Newly Discovered Mummy

In April 2021, the Warsaw Mummy Project made an important discovery regarding an ancient Egyptian mummy. This particular mummy, initially thought to be a male priest named Hor-Djehuti, was later revealed to be the remains of a pregnant woman.

Upon closer examination using tomographic imaging, researchers determined that the woman was between 20 and 30 years old at the time of her death and was in her 26th to 30th week of pregnancy. The mummification process involved the use of natron, a mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and sodium bicarbonate, to desiccate the body.

The fetus within the mummy underwent a unique preservation process due to the acidic environment created by natron. This caused minerals to leach from the fetal bones, resulting in their drying and mineralization. CT scans show dried tissues instead of fully intact bones, although some skeletal elements like hands or feet can still be identified.

This finding sheds new light on the mummification process and provides valuable insights into the preservation of fetal remains in ancient Egypt.
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