New radiological approach for analysis and identification of foreign objects in ancient and historic mummies

Abstract Traditional x-ray images of mummies may reveal foreign objects lodged within the body or its wrappings, but can only give a vague idea of the material of which these objects consist. More precise information may be obtained by means of computed tomography which delivers not only a three-dimensional reconstruction of the object's shape, but also a measurement of radiodensity and a representation of the radiological structure. While the density values and structures of body tissues and substances are well documented in radiological publications, little data exist of material not usually found in the human body. The aim of this study is to analyse the radiological density and structure of a series of test objects, so that these may serve as a reference for comparison with potential foreign objects found in mummified remains. Value and limitations of this method are discussed and the practical application is demonstrated through four examples.