Museum Finds 18-Week-Old Mummified Fetus Inside Tiny Egyptian Coffin
- 8 years ago
The ancient Egyptians are well known to have placed a great importance on burial rites, and a recent find at the Fitzwilliam Museum further exemplifies the careful treatment of the deceased.
The ancient Egyptians are well known to have placed a great importance on burial rites, and a recent find at The Fitzwilliam Museum further exemplifies the careful treatment of the deceased.
With the help of imaging technology, researchers were able to look inside a carved, wooden coffin measuring only about 17 inches in length.
Scans showed a human fetus, which experts estimate was 18 weeks into gestation, making it the youngest ever found.
While the cause of death could not be verified, it is believed to be miscarriage.
Julie Dawson, Head of Cons
The ancient Egyptians are well known to have placed a great importance on burial rites, and a recent find at The Fitzwilliam Museum further exemplifies the careful treatment of the deceased.
With the help of imaging technology, researchers were able to look inside a carved, wooden coffin measuring only about 17 inches in length.
Scans showed a human fetus, which experts estimate was 18 weeks into gestation, making it the youngest ever found.
While the cause of death could not be verified, it is believed to be miscarriage.
Julie Dawson, Head of Cons