USC Researchers Conduct Virtual Autopsies on Ancient Egyptian Mummies

High-resolution CT scans and 3D printing reveal new insights into the lives and ailments of two mummies from 190 BCE and 330 BCE.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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Researchers at the University of Southern California have used cutting-edge medical imaging and 3D printing technology to conduct virtual autopsies on two ancient Egyptian mummies, Nes-Hor and Nes-Min. The high-resolution CT scans allowed them to discover new details about the mummies' health conditions, including evidence of a possible spinal surgery on Nes-Min and severe hip deterioration in Nes-Hor that would have caused a limp. The 3D printed replicas of the mummies' anatomical structures and artifacts found in their sarcophagi also allow for closer examination without risking damage to the original remains.

Why it matters

This research demonstrates how modern medical technology can shed new light on the lives and health of ancient populations. By going 'beneath the surface' of these mummies, the researchers are able to see them as living, breathing individuals rather than just exotic artifacts, providing a more human connection to the past.

The details

The researchers used high-resolution CT scanners to capture 320 cross-section images per rotation of the mummies, allowing them to create detailed 3D digital models. They then used medical-grade 3D printers to create life-size physical replicas of the mummies' spines, skulls, and hips. This revealed new insights, such as evidence that Nes-Min may have undergone an early form of spinal surgery, and that Nes-Hor suffered from severe hip deterioration that would have caused a limp. The researchers also printed replicas of artifacts found in the mummies' sarcophagi, allowing them to be examined without unwrapping the original remains.

  • Nes-Hor died circa 190 BCE.
  • Nes-Min died circa 330 BCE.

The players

University of Southern California

The university where the research on the mummies was conducted.

Summer Decker

The director of the university's Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization, who oversaw the project.

James Schanandore

A human anatomist who studies prehistorical remains and collaborated on the research.

Diane Perlov

An anthropologist and the head of exhibits at the California Science Center, where the mummies and their prints will be on display.

Nes-Hor

An ancient Egyptian priest in the Temple of Min who died circa 190 BCE.

Nes-Min

An ancient Egyptian who lived circa 330 BCE and is believed to have died in his 40s.

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What they’re saying

“When people can get beneath the surface of these mummies — let them see the source of the back pain or the hip pain — people can see them not as exotic artifacts but as human beings.”

— Diane Perlov, Anthropologist and head of exhibits at the California Science Center

“It's interesting to see some of the same diseases that our modern populations have.”

— Summer Decker, Director of the Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization at USC

What’s next

The mummies and their 3D printed replicas will be on display at the California Science Center starting on February 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates how modern medical technology can provide new insights into the lives of ancient populations, humanizing them and revealing that they faced many of the same health challenges as people today. The virtual autopsies and 3D printed replicas allow for a deeper understanding of these mummies as living, breathing individuals rather than just historical artifacts.