Archaeologists discover ‘first-of-its-kind’ teenage mummy likely died while delivering twins

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A teenage mummy specimen that was sitting within the Smithsonian Museum for over 100 years likely died while delivering twins, archaeologists say.

The stays of the mummy, excavated in 1908, was of a teenager between 14 and 17 years previous who might have died throughout childbirth, based on anthropologist Francine Margolis from George Washington University within the US.

Researchers say {the teenager} had an associated foetus which was wrapped and positioned between her legs throughout mummification over 2,000 years in the past.

Field notes from 1908 confirmed she had died from problems throughout childbirth.

But when scientists performed CT X-ray scans of the mummy to acquire its pelvic measurements and decide {the teenager}’s explanation for dying, they discovered objects within the chest cavity that didn’t belong to the already wrapped foetus between the legs.

X-rays of the stays revealed there was a stunning second foetus within the mummy.

“While examining the CT images, elements of what was believed to be the foetus were identified in the mother,” scientists wrote within the examine, revealed final month within the International Journal of Osteroarcheology.

“The mother was carrying twins,” researchers concluded.

However, it’s unclear whether or not {the teenager} or anybody else on the time of her dying knew she was carrying twins.

The unusual place of the second foetus close to the girl’s chest cavity additionally stays a thriller, scientists say.

Researchers suspect the second foetus might have moved to this a part of her physique throughout the embalming course of achieved throughout mummification.

“It is possible the unknown baby was mummified along with the other internal organs. During the mummification process, the diaphragm and connective tissues in that area would have dissolved, allowing for the unborn baby to move up into the chest cavity,” scientists wrote.

Transport of the mummy from Egypt to the US might have additionally moved the newborn internally, they think.

Other than the probability that {the teenager} died throughout childbirth, scientists shouldn’t have extra data on her well being.

Since her head is lacking, they are saying it’s tougher to find out about her well being.

“Results note this mummy was pregnant with twins and in the middle of the birthing process at the time of her death,” researchers added.