Meritamun Reconstruction

In 2016, in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, a remarkable project breathed new life into the visage of an Ancient Egyptian woman. Known to us now as Meritamun, her mummified head, believed to be at least over 2,000 years old, has undergone a transformation from the remnants of a long-lost ancient woman to a testament of modern forensic science and artistry.

In 2013, Dr. Ryan Jefferies, curator at the University of Melbourne’s Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, made an unexpected discovery. While sifting through the museum’s collections, Dr. Jefferies found a mummified head that had long been forgotten. The skull showed remarkable preservation, prompting a series of CT scans to reveal more about the individual’s age, health, and physical characteristics. The scans indicated that the remains belonged to a young woman, likely between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of her death. This marked the beginning of a fascinating interdisciplinary project to reconstruct her face, and to learn more about the person behind the ancient remains.

When did Meritamun live?

Despite the absence of direct historical evidence such as inscriptions, the research team decided to assign the name “Meritamun” to the woman. This name, which translates to “beloved of Amun,” was common in Ancient Egypt, especially for women of higher social rank, as it referenced Amun, a powerful god in the Egyptian pantheon. The decision to name her Meritamun was based on the apparent high status suggested by the quality of her mummification. While the team could not definitively confirm her identity, the name Meritamun was chosen as a plausible fit for a woman of her presumed elevated social standing. This interpretation was bolstered by the discovery of fine linen bandages used in her mummification, indicating she was likely a person of wealth or status, perhaps, from the elite class.

What did analysis reveal?

The analysis of Meritamun’s remains provided valuable insights into her health and diet. Researchers discovered that she suffered from anaemia, likely due to nutritional deficiencies. This condition would have caused fatigue and other symptoms, likely affecting her quality of life. Additionally, evidence of tooth decay suggested a diet that was high in carbohydrates, possibly influenced by the introduction of sugar following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt in 331 B.C., but also possible that the use of honey throughout the ages of Ancient Egypt contributed to the dental issues, as honey was a commonly used substance in both food and drink, medicine, as well as the embalming processes.

Meritamun’s teeth being decayed are also not a direct indication of the era of her lifetime or even lifestyle, as many mummies, from royalty to commoners, display poor dental health, with even Ramesses II having a mouth filled with what appears to have been extremely painful abscesses. This highlights that dental issues were not confined to any particular period, but were a common aspect of life in Ancient Egypt. Dr. Janet Davey actually proposes, based upon the mummification style of Meritamun’s head, that she likely would have lived during the New Kingdom period, c. 1500 B.C.

The fact that Meritamun underwent an elaborate embalming process, which included the use of fine linen bandages, points to her elevated status in society. This would have been a privilege reserved for those with wealth.

The Reconstruction Process

The project to reconstruct Meritamun’s face involved a diverse team of specialists working together to bring her image into the present. Dr. Janet Davey, a forensic Egyptologist, played a key role in interpreting the findings and guiding the reconstruction process. Dr. Davey’s expertise helped to shape the overall understanding of Meritamun’s life, health, and the cultural practices surrounding her mummification.

A critical part of the project was the involvement of Jennifer Mann, a forensic artist and sculptor. Using CT scan data to create a 3D model of Meritamun’s skull, Mann applied her skills in facial reconstruction to recreate the woman’s face. Through careful application of clay, she shaped the facial features, taking into account anatomical markers, muscle structure, and other forensic data. The result was a highly detailed and lifelike representation of what Meritamun may have looked like during her lifetime. This reconstruction not only provided a visual representation of Meritamun, but also allowed for a deeper understanding of the health and lifestyle of people in Ancient Egypt.

The interdisciplinary work undertaken by the team at the University of Melbourne has not only provided a visual reconstruction of a woman who lived thousands of years ago but has also enhanced our understanding of an Ancient Egyptian woman’s health. While much almost everything other than anaemia and how she may have looked remains shrouded in mystery, the efforts of the researchers have succeeded in bringing Meritamun’s memory back to life, bridging the gap between ancient history and the modern world.

Anaemia in Ancient Egypt: Understanding the Health of Meritamun

Anaemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, was likely a significant health issue in Ancient Egypt, though the condition was not understood as we know it today. In fact, evidence suggests that both nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections contributed to the prevalence of anaemia in the ancient population, impacting individuals from various social strata.

Meritamun’s health was revealed through a combination of modern techniques, including CT scans and a thorough analysis of her mummified remains. These scans highlighted the presence of dental decay and other markers that suggested she had a nutritional deficiency, such as anaemia. Anaemia can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and weakness, and the combination of these indicators made it plausible that Meritamun’s condition was primarily related to a lack of iron, compounded by other health issues.

While Meritamun’s case provides the clearest evidence of anaemia among the remains of the Ancient Egyptian dead, she is not alone. Other mummified remains have also shown signs of anaemia, with evidence of bone changes and poor dental health often associated with the condition. Anaemia could have been driven by factors such as poor diet and parasitic infections. The case of Meritamun, with her clear signs of anaemia, has provided modern researchers with a glimpse into the challenges of living in ancient times.