CT Scans Reveal Medical Secrets of Ancient Egyptian Mummies

High-resolution imaging at USC uncovers evidence of chronic pain, dental issues, and possible surgical intervention in two 2,000-year-old priests.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Southern California used advanced CT scanning technology to conduct full-body scans of two ancient Egyptian mummies, revealing remarkable details about the health and life experiences of the two priests who lived over 2,000 years ago. The scans showed evidence of a collapsed lumbar vertebra, broken ribs, dental problems, and a severely deteriorated hip in the mummies, providing a window into the medical conditions and potential treatments of people from ancient civilizations.

Why it matters

This research demonstrates how modern medical imaging technology can unlock new insights into the lives of ancient people, offering a unique perspective on the health challenges and medical practices of past civilizations. The findings also highlight the value of preserving and studying ancient remains, as they can provide invaluable information about human history and the evolution of medicine.

The details

The researchers used a state-of-the-art 320-slice CT scanner to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the two mummies, named Nes-Min and Nes-Hor. Nes-Min, who died around 330 BCE at the age of 40, was found to have a collapsed lumbar vertebra and broken ribs, likely due to aging and chronic pain. Nes-Hor, who died in his 60s around 190 BCE, had severe dental problems and a deteriorated hip that would have made walking difficult. The scans also revealed potential evidence of early surgical intervention in Nes-Min's case, suggesting the ancient Egyptians may have had some medical treatment capabilities.

  • The CT scans were conducted last month by researchers at the University of Southern California.
  • Nes-Min died around 330 BCE, while Nes-Hor died around 190 BCE.
  • In 2024, CT scans of more than 200 mummies older than Nes-Min and Nes-Hor revealed evidence of heart disease and stroke.

The players

University of Southern California

The university where researchers conducted the advanced CT scans on the ancient Egyptian mummies.

Nes-Min

An ancient Egyptian priest who died around 330 BCE at the age of 40, and whose mummy was scanned by researchers, revealing evidence of a collapsed lumbar vertebra and broken ribs.

Nes-Hor

An ancient Egyptian priest who died around 190 BCE in his 60s, and whose mummy was scanned by researchers, revealing severe dental problems and a deteriorated hip.

Summer Decker

The head of 3D imaging for Keck Medicine of USC who oversaw the mummy scans and visualization analysis.

Diane Perlov

An anthropologist and senior vice president for special projects at the California Science Center, where the mummies will be on display.

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What they’re saying

“We actually see some what we think could be potentially tool marks or, or some kind of holes that are not necessarily natural. We're trying to investigate that right now, but what we're thinking it could be is potentially some sort of early surgical intervention.”

— Summer Decker, Head of 3D Imaging, Keck Medicine of USC

“Mummies have long been a mystery. Seeing beneath the surface to reveal the specific lived experience of individuals is incredibly exciting.”

— Diane Perlov, Anthropologist and Senior Vice President, California Science Center

What’s next

The mummies of Nes-Min and Nes-Hor will be on display at the Mummies of the World exhibit at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, which opens on February 7, 2026 and runs through September 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates the remarkable potential of modern medical imaging technology to unlock new insights into the lives and health of ancient civilizations, providing a unique window into the medical conditions and practices of the past. The findings underscore the value of preserving and studying ancient remains, which can offer invaluable information about human history and the evolution of medicine.