Ancient Egyptian Mummified Bodies Reveal ‘Woody, Spicy, and Sweet’ Scents in Groundbreaking Study

Admin

February 20, 2025
3 min read

Ancient Egyptian Mummified Bodies Reveal ‘Woody, Spicy, and Sweet’ Scents in Groundbreaking Study

For years, the distinct aroma of ancient Egyptian mummified bodies has intrigued archaeologists and museum visitors alike. Now, a new study has systematically analysed these odours for the first time, revealing that mummies smell ‘woody, spicy, and sweet’. The research, led by UCL and the University of Ljubljana, provides fresh insights into ancient embalming techniques, museum conservation, and even how scent can be used to help us to further emphasise the great story of the Egyptians.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, examined nine mummified bodies from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo using both scientific instruments and the basic human senses. Researchers deployed an electronic ‘nose’, along with a team of trained ‘sniffers’, to assess the quality, intensity, and origins of these odours.

Legendary Origins of Rome

Exploring the myths and history behind Rome’s legendary foundation.

Ancient Mesopotamian City Unearthed

Archaeologists uncover a lost city from the cradle of civilisation.

Archaeologists Find King Harold’s Residence

Could this discovery rewrite our understanding of England’s last Saxon king?

Smell was an important element of ancient Egyptian mummification. Professor Ali Abdelhalim, director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, explains that pleasant scents were associated with purity and the divine, while foul odours were linked to decay. Ancient embalmers used coniferous resins (pine, cedar, juniper), gum resins (myrrh, frankincense), and waxes to preserve bodies, ensuring they smelled as sacred as their religious significance dictated.

egyptian mummy smells — Emma Paolin, PhD researcher at University of Ljubljana (rear) and Dr Cecilia Bembibre (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) (foreground) take swab samples for microbiological analysis at the Krakow University of Economics. Image Credit: Abdelrazek Elnaggar

By identifying these chemical compounds, scientists could determine whether smells originated from original embalming materials, later conservation treatments, or natural degradation. The findings confirm that many mummification ingredients have stood the test of time, continuing to emit fragrances thousands of years later.

Beyond its archaeological impact, this research has practical applications for modern museums. Dr Cecilia Bembibre (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) emphasised the power of scent in engaging audiences, saying:

“New information was revealed by the smells, highlighting the importance of using our senses to understand the past.”

The next step? The research team aims to recreate the aroma of ancient mummies, offering museum visitors the opportunity to experience history in a completely new way.

This research is an exciting step towards non-invasive analysis of archaeological remains. To explore the full findings, visit the UCL research page, which details how smell analysis is transforming our understanding of ancient preservation techniques.

For more on ancient history, archaeology, and conservation, visit EyeOnLondon.