Recent advances in medical imaging are providing new insights into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Radiologists at Keck Medicine of USC used high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans to examine two priests who lived over 2,000 years ago, identifying signs of aging, injury, and disease that are still common today.
The research focused on two individuals: Nes-Min, who lived around 330 BCE, and Nes-Hor, who lived about 140 years later, around 190 BCE. Both were priests whose remains have been preserved for centuries. While these mummies have been previously studied, improved CT imaging now allows scientists study the wrappings and remains in more detail without opening them.
Each mummy was scanned while still inside the lower half of its sarcophagus. The resulting cross-sectional images revealed bones, remnants of soft tissue, and facial features that have remained intact for over two thousand years. The scans were even able to capture images of subtle features such as eyelids and lips.
Ancient Bodies, Familiar Problems
The scans also showed signs of everyday physical stress. Nes-Min, who died at a younger age than Nes-Hor, had a collapsed lumbar vertebra in his spine. This injury is consistent with age-related degeneration rather than a single traumatic event.
Nes-Hor’s remains presented a different set of issues. The scans revealed advanced hip deterioration and significant dental problems, indicating he likely lived longer than Nes-Min. These conditions are similar to those still seen by physicians today.
“These scans provide a treasure trove of information made possible by Keck Medicine’s access to the latest in high-level scanning, coupled with the team’s expertise,” said Summer Decker, PhD, who leads 3D imaging and visualization at Keck Medicine.
Earlier imaging efforts had examined the mummies, but improvements in resolution and image processing provided much greater detail. “The high-resolution images have revealed things that were previously unknown and helped create a picture of what their lives were like,” Decker said.
Reconstructing Lives in 3D
Researchers used the scan data to construct detailed 3D digital models of both individuals. They also created life-size 3D-printed replicas of bones, including spines, skulls, and hips, along with artifacts buried with Nes-Min, such as scarab beetles and a fish.
This technology enabled scientists to study the remains without direct contact, preserving the mummies while gathering new information. The approach is similar to methods used in current medical practice, where surgeons use CT-based models to plan procedures before entering the operating room.
“Mummies have long been a mystery,” said Diane Perlov, PhD, senior vice president for special projects at the California Science Center. “Seeing beneath the surface to reveal the specific lived experience of individuals is incredibly exciting.”
From Medical Imaging to Museum Floor
The same imaging tools that revealed the lives of these priests are also used in modern clinical care. At Keck Medicine, specialists regularly turn CT and MRI scans into physical models that help surgeons plan treatments or explain conditions to patients.
This overlap between medical technology and archaeology emphasizes the significance of the work. Non-invasive imaging enables museums and researchers to study ancient remains without causing harm. This method is likely to influence how human history is studied in the future.
The mummies, along with their digital reconstructions and printed anatomical models, will go on public display as part of Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, which opens February 7 at the California Science Center. The exhibition marks the final stop of a global tour and features mummies never before shown in Los Angeles.
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Data Analytics certification. His work combines analytical training with a focus on emerging science, aerospace, and astronomical research.