CT examination and 3D analysis of Egyptian animal mummies
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COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
CT examination and 3D analysis of Egyptian animal mummies Sabina Malgora1 · Daniele Gibelli2 · Chiara Floridi3 · Carlo Martinenghi4 · Lidija McKnight5 · Salima Ikram6 · Jonathan Elias7 · Chantal Milani8 · Giancarlo Oliva9 · Michaela Cellina9 Received: 13 December 2019 / Accepted: 30 March 2020 © Italian Society of Medical Radiology 2020
Abstract Aim To report our experience on CT investigation of animal mummies, focusing on the practical and radiological aspects of the study, the acquisition parameters and the different reconstruction techniques. Materials and methods Thirteen mummies underwent CT examination on the same CT scanner (Siemens sensation) with the following acquisition parameters: 120 kV; 140 mAs; slice thickness: 1 mm; reconstruction interval: 0.7 mm; and rotation time: 0.75 s. All datasets were reconstructed with both bone and soft tissue algorithms and archived on our picture archiving and communication system using their catalogue number as an identifier. Images were then transferred on IntelliSpace Portal (Philips Healthcare) for post-processing multiplanar and 3D reconstructions. The acquired data were submitted to anthropological analysis. Results CT enabled the identification of the bundles content: four cats with complete skeleton, one upper part of a cat mummy, one lower part of a cat mummy, one cat head with four cervical vertebrae, two crocodiles, two raptors, skeletons from one or more snakes and one mummy with dog appearance, containing long bones. All cats and hawks showed cervical fractures; in one cat, the skull was collapsed inwards, and in another cat, the head was turned backwards; one cat presented a skeleton more radiopaque than normal with evidence of cracks related to the use of the resins for mummification that were poured directly over the corpse. Conclusions CT is a valuable noninvasive technique to study Egyptian mummies, enabling in-depth analysis while preserving the integrity of the mummy bundles, ensuring protection of a valuable archaeological resource. Keywords Computed tomography · CT · Mummy · Animal mummies · 3D reconstructions
Introduction A mummy is defined as a body embalmed or treated for burial with preservatives through human intervention, followed by wrapping of the corpse in layers of linen. * Michaela Cellina michaela.cellina@asst‑fbf‑sacco.it 1
2
Mummy Project, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20121 Milan, Italy Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
3
Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital “Umberto I - Lancisi - Salesi”, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, AN, Italy
4
Reparto di Radiologia, Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20121 Milan, Italy
The ancient Egyptians practiced mummification procedures on both human and animal subjects, yet the motivations for such treatment differed greatly. The preservation of the h
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