Unraveling the Secrets of an Ancient Egyptian Crocodile Mummy

New discoveries made by scientists from The University of Manchester, Loughborough, and Birmingham City Universities provide insights into the life and demise of a 2.2 meter-long crocodile mummified during ancient Egyptian times. State-of-the-art 3D imaging technology allowed researchers to delve into the secrets held within the creature's preserved remains.

Utilizing specialized software, in combination with X-ray and CT scanning techniques, the scientists digitally extracted a fish, which had likely killed the crocodile, from its stomach. Found with a fish still attached to its hook, the mummy—known as accession number 2005.335—has been kept at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Dating back roughly 2,000 to 3,000 years, the crocodile mummy provides valuable insights into the practices of animal mummification during its peak.

The analysis exhibited in the study, published in the journal Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, also shed light on the crocodile's diet and stomach contents. Gastroliths, small stones that aid in breaking down meat and regulating buoyancy when ingested by crocodiles, were found inside the creature. Furthermore, additional gastroliths higher in the digestive tract indicated attempts at breaking down the last meal before reaching the stomach. Notably, the fish retained its skeletal integrity, implying it was swallowed whole and had not undergone digestion by the crocodile's stomach enzymes or the abrasive action of the gastroliths.

The researchers also propose that the crocodile, having consumed the fish shortly before its death, was intentionally caught from the wild and processed for mummification as an offering to Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and prosperous agriculture. Inferring from ancient Egyptian beliefs, they also highlighted the notion of protection from danger by utilizing clothing made from crocodile skin.

Lead author Dr. Lidija Mcknight, a Research Fellow from The University of Manchester, emphasized the significance of this exploration, connecting museum visitors of all ages to the fascinating account of this marvelously preserved beast. In contrast to earlier invasive techniques such as unwrapping or autopsies, the non-destructive 3D radiography enabled the observation of internal details, while the replication of the ancient fish hook in its original material, bronze, showcased the remarkable similarity between casting processes of ancient and modern times.

This unique scientific analysis provides valuable knowledge about both the life of the crocodile and the post-mortem practices that preserved its remains. Through these advancements in imaging technology and their application to precious artifacts, the fascination surrounding mummies is further enriched, fostering a captivating connection between modern-day enthusiasts and Egypt's ancient past.