Mummies Of The Pharaohs

The royal mummies in the Cairo Museum are an important source of information about the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The remains of these pharaohs and queens can inform us about their age at death and medical conditions from which they may have suffered, as well as the mummification process and objects placed within the wrappings. Using the latest technology, including Multi-Detector Computed Tomography and DNA analysis, the authors present the results of the examination of the royal mummies. New imaging techniques not only reveal a wealth of information about each mummy, but render amazingly lifelike and detailed images of the remains.

At the end of the 19th century Egyptologists discovered, in two robbed tombs at Luxor, the remains of over 40 mummies dating from the 17th to the 21st Dynasties (1580 BC to 940 BC). These included the bodies of Ahmose, Thutmose III, Amenhotep II and III, Seti I, Ramesses II and III, and Merneptah. This book brings together for the first time all the photographs of the unique collection of mummies and coffins found in the two `Royal Caches' and other royal burials which include Yuya, Thuya and Tutankhamun. Each mummy and coffin is described in detail with brief information about the tomb. Diseases and ailments, mummification techniques and the very origins of the process are covered. Other topics featured are the problems of identification, conservation of remains, and reconstructing lifetime appearance.

"Today, a good century after the first X-rays of mummies, Egyptology has the benefit of all the methods and means at the disposal of forensic medicine. The 'mummy stories' we tell have changed their tone, but they have enjoyed much success, with fantastic scientific and technological results resolving the mysteries of the ancient land of the pharaohs."--from the Foreword Mummies are the things that fascinate us most about ancient Egypt. But what are mummies? How did the Egyptians create them? And why? What became of the people they once were? We are learning more all the time about the cultural processes surrounding mummification and the medical characteristics of ancient Egyptian mummies. In the first part of Mummies and Death in Egypt Françoise Dunand gives an overview of the history of mummification in Egypt from the prehistoric to the Roman period. She thoroughly describes the preparations of the dead (tombs and their furnishings, funerary offerings, ornamentation of the corpse, coffins, and canopic jars), and she includes a separate chapter on the mummification of animals. She links these various practices and behaviors to the religious beliefs of classical Egypt. In the second part of this book, Roger Lichtenberg, a physician and archaeologist, offers a fascinating narrative of his forensic research on mummies, much of it conducted with a portable X-ray machine on archaeological digs. His findings have revealed new information on the ages of the mummified, their causes of death, and the illnesses and injuries they suffered. Together, Dunand and Lichtenberg provide a state-of-the-art account of the science of mummification and its social and religious context.

Is there is such a thing as a mummy?s curse? How were the ancient pyramids built? What did the pharaohs do all day? All of these questions?and more?will be answered in this fun activity book. Kids will feel like real-life archaeologists when they solve puzzles and try activities about: famous pharaohs like King Tut and Ramses; gods like Osiris and Anubis; what the Egyptians believed about the afterlife; tools and laborers used to build the pyramids; tomb treasures like pottery, paintings, and hieroglyphics; Egypt- and mummy-related Halloween costume ideas; and more! With this book by their sides, kids will find themselves transported to a world of powerful gods, mysterious ceremonies, and glorious treasures.

Describes medical and scientific findings resulting from the study of pharaonic mummies, discussing ancient diseases, Egyptian embalming methods, and the identities of the pharaohs mentioned in the Old Testament

Mummies, whether they're preserved by people or nature, are a fascinating way to examine different cultures around the world. While most people know about mummies from ancient Egypt, the first mummies were made more than 7,000 years ago in South America. Anthropologists can only guess why, most likely because of a belief in life after death. Readers will be awed as they discover how different cultures perfected their mummification process. Well-chosen photographs and illustrations will reveal the incredible preserving powers of peat. Gruesome discoveries and even modern mummies are all highlighted in this book, which includes 100 facts about magnificent mummies.

This spine-tingling legend, also known as the mummy's curse, warns that anyone who disturbs the resting place of the ancient Egyptians will be haunted by their spirits. Bizarre accidents, mysterious illness, even death have all been blamed on the dreaded curse. But is there any truth to it? That's the question tackled by world-famous Egyptian archaeologist and spellbinding storyteller Dr. Zahi Hawass in this captivating book. Like a real-life Indiana Jones, Dr. Hawass has lived through countless hair-raising adventures while exploring the tombs of ancient Egypt. Here he shares some of his most exciting exploits and discoveries and recounts his own harrowing brushes with what he calls the "magic of ancient Egypt" -- experiences that range from earthquakes to recurring nightmares to near-death incidents! He also delves into the intriguing background of the curse, which became famous all over the world after the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. Lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs and filled with fascinating facts about ancient Egypt, Curse of the Pharaohs brings to life the very real thrills and dangers associated with the field of archaeology. Join Dr. Hawass as he ventures into deep, dark tunnels and tombs. You'll not only discover the truth about the mysterious curse, you'll learn a lot about the extraordinary civilization built by the ancient Egyptians. Book jacket.