A mystery that is more than two millennia old has finally been solved. The mummy of Takabuti , an Egyptian woman whose story has intrigued archaeologists and researchers since her discovery in the 19th century, has been identified as the victim of a brutal murder. Thanks to modern research, this revelation sheds new light on the life and tragic death of this woman who lived in ancient Egypt.
Takabuti was no ordinary Egyptian. According to studies, she lived around 660 BC in the late Egyptian period. Historical records suggest she was a high-status woman, perhaps related to the aristocracy of Thebes. Her mummy, brought to the United Kingdom in 1834, has become one of the most studied specimens due to its excellent state of preservation.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists used computed tomography (CT) scans and advanced radiology techniques to examine the mummy. The results revealed a blunt force injury to the upper back, caused by a sharp weapon, likely a knife.
The deep cut is believed to have reached vital organs, causing Takabuti’s almost immediate death. This evidence confirms that he did not die of natural causes, as initially thought, but was instead the victim of a violent ᴀssault.
The era in which Takabuti lived was not unfamiliar with political conflict and tension. By the end of this period, Egypt was facing foreign invasions and internal unrest, increasing the risk of violence, even among the upper classes.
However, it is still unclear who her attacker was and why she was attacked. Some experts speculate that it could have been a crime of pᴀssion or an attack linked to political or religious rivalries.
Similarly, analyses of his hair and teeth showed that he ate a high-protein diet typical of Egyptian elites. Even in death, Takabuti was treated with great care, embalmed using advanced techniques and wrapped in high-quality linen.
The Takabuti case is a powerful reminder of how modern technology can transform our understanding of the past. Using advanced tools and a multidisciplinary approach, investigators not only solved an ancient crime, but also gave voice to a woman whose legacy has endured for millennia.
This discovery not only sheds light on the circumstances of his death, but also offers an intimate look at life in ancient Egypt, from social complexities to burial practices.
Takabuti’s story endures, reminding us that behind every mummy is a human being with a rich life and, in this case, a tragic end.