Mummy of Cleopatra
This is the mummy of a 17-year-old young woman called Cleopatra, who lived during the Roman Period of Ancient Egypt, c. 100-120. She is cited as the daughter of Candace, a member of the Cornelius Pollius family, the Archon of Thebes, under the rule of Emperor Trajan.
The inscriptions state that Cleopatra died at age 17 years, 1 months and 25 days, and her skeleton density suggests this to be so. No cause of death is known, but young death was not unusual in the ancient world.
Egypt had 6 Cleopatra’s before the most famous, Cleopatra VII (7th) took the throne. Perhaps this girl was named after the ruler.
Despite her Greek name and living under Roman rule, this Cleopatra was mummified, with her beautifully wrapped linen designed with images of Isis, Nepthys, Anubis and the Goddess Nut. This showcases how the Egyptians held onto their traditions and beliefs, despite the changing of style and culture across the Mediterranean at such times under Roman dominance.
The mummy of Cleopatra, the 17-year-old “daughter of Candace”, was discovered Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Thebes. Her mummy was adorned with offerings, including, a string of berries, a garland or wreath of tribute, and a wooden comb.
Body and Limbs – Very little can be observed in this mummy owing to dense material, probably plaster, under the bandages. The ribs and bones of the arms and legs can be seen to have no fractures. There is an indeterminate opacity in the body-cavity. The arms are extended, the palms of the hands in contact with the outer aspect of the thighs. the left hip is dislocated, probably the result of tight bandaging. No lines of arrested growth.
Roman Period, ca. 100-120 CE. From Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. Cleopatra now resides at the British Museum. EA6707
