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This new discovery is the result of analyzing the carefully preserved mummy of a high-ranking Egyptian nobleman named Khuwy, discovered in 2019. According to the research, the mummy dates back to the Old Kingdom period, demonstrating that Egyptian mummification techniques from about 4,000 years ago were very advanced.
Professor Salima Ikram, head of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo and a leading expert on the history of mummification, told The Observer: “If this really is a mummy from the Ancient Kingdom, all history books about mummification need to be completely revised.”
A scientist is studying the mummy of Khuwy. - Photo: Ian Glatt/National Geographic/Windfall Films
Salima added: "Until now, we thought that the mummification process in the Ancient Kingdom was relatively simple, with basic drying methods (although not always successful), no brain removal, and only occasional removal of internal organs."
In fact, the mummification process was incredibly sophisticated; ancient embalmers bathed the corpses in the most expensive tree resin to preserve the flesh before wrapping them, then they would be further treated with resin and wrapped in the highest quality bandages.
A mural at Khuwy's tomb. - Photo: Ian Glatt/National Geographic/Windfall Films
This is one of the key discoveries that will be revealed in National Geographic's documentary series "The Lost Treasures of Egypt." Produced by Windfall Films, the series will follow international archaeologists as they excavate in Egypt. The mummy discovery will be featured in episode 4, "The Rise of the Mummy," airing on November 28th. Professor Salima Ikram will also appear in this episode.
A National Geographic film crew followed archaeologists for an extended period at the site where Khuwy's mummy was found – a lavish tomb in the Saqqara cemetery. - Photo: AFP/GETTY
"They knew the pottery in the tomb was from the Old Kingdom, but initially Ikram didn't believe the mummy was from that period because it was so well preserved. They didn't think the mummification process was that advanced back then," said Tom Cook, a producer at Windfall Films. "But during the research process, she began to believe it."
In the documentary, Ikam shared: "That's extraordinary. The only time I've ever seen linen of such good quality was from the 21st Dynasty." The 21st Dynasty, ruled by the Egyptian Pharaohs, was a period 1,000 years after Khuwy's time, which is about 3,000 years ago.
