The Infinite Monkey Cage
Egyptian Mummies
Feb 14, 2024
Comedians Russel Kane and Lucy Porter, along with bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight, join Brian Cox and Robin Ince to explore the science of mummification and the intriguing lives of Ancient Egyptians. They discuss the sophisticated pharmacology of the Ancient Egyptians, their unique death rituals, the challenge of determining the cause of death for mummies, and even compare mummification to modern-day beauty trends. The episode concludes with a funny anecdote and a hint at the next episode on psychology and magic.
42:24
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Quick takeaways
- Scientific techniques like radiography and computed tomography have revolutionized the understanding of ancient Egyptian medicine and healthcare.
- Mummification of animals served various purposes, including religious offerings to different gods and honoring cult animals.
Deep dives
Medical and scientific techniques used to study Egyptian mummies
The scientific study of Egyptian mummies began with the discovery of x-rays in the late 19th century. This allowed for the examination of mummies without causing damage. The use of radiography and computed tomography (CT) scanning has provided detailed insights into mummies' anatomy, diseases, and causes of death. These techniques have also revealed the effectiveness of ancient Egyptian pharmaceutical treatments, with 64% of the analyzed remedies still being used today. Other advancements, such as proteomics, allow for the identification of diseases and the reconstruction of facial features. These scientific techniques have transformed our understanding of ancient Egypt's medical and healthcare practices.
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