Overview

• A study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society analyzed the scents of nine ancient Egyptian mummies from the 1st and 2nd millennia BCE.
• Researchers combined chemical techniques like gas chromatography with trained human 'sniffers' to assess the intensity and nature of the odors.
• Common scent profiles included woody, spicy, and sweet notes, with some odors described as rancid, dusty, or reminiscent of incense.
• The study explored how embalming materials such as resins, oils, and herbs, as well as microbial activity, contributed to the mummies' unique aromas.
• Findings could enhance museum exhibits by incorporating olfactory experiences to deepen public engagement with ancient artifacts.