CT Scans and 3D Printing Reveal Details of Ancient Egyptian Mummies

Paleoradiology uses imaging methods to study archaeological remains without causing damage to the specimens. Recent research has applied these techniques to ancient Egyptian mummies, providing new insights into their health and burial practices.

Radiologists at Keck Medicine of USC conducted full-body CT scans on two ancient Egyptian priests, Nes-Min and Nes-Hor, while the mummies remained inside their sarcophagi. The scans allowed researchers to observe the mummies’ anatomical features and any objects placed within the wrappings.

The imaging revealed detailed aspects of the mummies’ faces, such as eyelids and lower lips, as well as health-related findings. Nes-Min was found to have a collapsed lumbar vertebra, while Nes-Hor showed dental problems and a severely deteriorated hip. These observations provide information about the individuals’ health at the time of death.

The data from the CT scans enabled the creation of 3-D digital models and life-size 3-D printed replicas of the mummies’ skeletal structures and artifacts discovered with Nes-Min. These reproductions help researchers and the public examine the remains without physical contact.

What the numbers show

• Nes-Min lived around 330 BCE and Nes-Hor around 190 BCE
• The exhibition featuring the models opens on February 7, 2026
• The British Museum examined eight mummies using similar technology

The resulting 3-D models and printed replicas will be included in the “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” at the California Science Center. This exhibition is scheduled to open in early February 2026 and will display these new research outcomes to visitors.

Paleoradiology, the field behind these studies, employs non-invasive imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, and micro-CT scans to analyze mummified remains. This approach allows researchers to determine age, cause of death, post-mortem changes, and the presence of artifacts, all without disturbing the specimens.

Other institutions have also adopted these methods. The British Museum used high-resolution CT scanning and 3-D printing to investigate eight mummies, including a chantress named Tamut and an adult male from Thebes. These scans identified internal objects like a spatula in a skull and arterial plaque, and produced 3-D printed copies of jawbones and amulets for further study.

Paleoradiologists have applied CT scans to resolve historical questions, such as confirming that King Tutankhamun died from malaria and a broken leg, and that Ramesses III suffered a fatal throat wound. These findings illustrate how non-invasive imaging can clarify details about ancient individuals and their lives.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.