Animal Mummies Unwrapped (2020)
3-D micro CT imaging has allowed researchers at Swansea University’s Egypt Centre and College of Engineering to digitally unwrap mummified animals. Seeing the ‘unwrapped’ animals gives scientists new understanding about the ritual and meaning behind the animal sacrifice. Animals were frequently mummified and placed in tombs to accompany their owners into the afterlife, or as gifts to present to the gods. Some animals were bred specifically as ‘votive offerings,’ such as snakes, birds, cats, crocodiles, and dogs. The micro-CT scan allowed details to be seen at a resolution 100 times higher than a medical CT scan. It reveals internal details about the animal’s species and cause of death, but does not damage the specimen.