Scanning the Pharaohs: CT Imaging of the New Kingdom Royal Mummies

Scanning the Pharaohs: CT Imaging of the New Kingdom Royal Mummies, written by Zahi Hawass and Sahar Saleem, is a fascinating book that provides insight into the world of ancient Egypt through the use of modern technology. The book is the result of a groundbreaking study in which CT scans were used to examine the royal mummies of the New Kingdom.

The New Kingdom was a period of great prosperity and power in ancient Egypt, spanning from approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE. During this time, some of the most famous pharaohs of Egypt, including Tutankhamun, Hatshepsut, and Ramesses II, ruled the country. These pharaohs were known for their grand tombs and mummification practices, which were designed to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife.

Using state-of-the-art CT scanners, Hawass and Saleem were able to examine the mummies in incredible detail. The scans revealed not only the physical features of the mummies, but also the mummification process itself. This allowed the researchers to gain a better understanding of the techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to preserve their dead.

The book is filled with stunning images of the mummies and their intricate wrappings, as well as detailed descriptions of the CT scans and the information they provided. The authors also provide historical context for the mummies, discussing their place in Egyptian society and the role they played in the pharaohs' quest for immortality.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the discussion of the various health issues that the mummies suffered from. The CT scans revealed evidence of diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and heart disease, providing insight into the health conditions that affected the ancient Egyptians.

Overall, Scanning the Pharaohs is a fascinating book that provides a unique glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt. The use of modern technology to study these ancient artifacts has yielded a wealth of information that was previously unknown, and the book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Egyptology or the history of medicine. Hawass and Saleem have done an excellent job of presenting this information in an accessible and engaging way, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient world.