New technology uncovers hidden details of Egypt's 2,300-year-old 'untouchable' mummy

Modern technology has revealed secrets about a 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy that researchers have never dared to unwrap.

Modern technology has helped shed further light on an Ancient Egyptian mystery after spending millennia under wraps.

The Bashiri Mummy, also known as the “untouchable one”, has long remained unravelled – as researchers have feared causing damage to the intricately wrapped fabric.

Researchers are now closer to understanding the mysteries of the Bashiri. Photo: Egypt Museum

It is believed by some sources that Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered this mummy in the Valley of the Kings, The Sun reports.

This is the same area he would famously go on to uncover King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

But according to Discover magazine, the most that is known for sure is that the “untouchable one” was found, but that no researchers have dared attempt to unfurl its cloth.

Prior to the invention of X-ray and CT scanners, people would unwrap these ancient mummies to study them – causing severe damage.

New technology has lessened the need for such methods of study, allowing researchers to learn more about ancient artefacts while inflicting less harm on them.

It brings them one step closer to understanding the mysteries of the Bashiri Mummy.

The untouchable one’s face wrappings are said to be unique, featuring a pattern resembling the base of a pyramid.

According to the American Museum of Natural History, “In the past, the only way to learn about a mummy was to unwrap it.

“But this widespread practice destroyed the mummy, often detaching body parts." Scans have now revealed fresh details about the mummy.

Researchers have established that the Bashiri Mummy would have been an adult man who stood about 5.5 feet (1.7 metres) tall.

Researchers have feared causing damage to the intricately wrapped fabric of the Bashiri Mummy. Photo: Vania Teofilo/Wikipedia

He would have lived in the Ptolemaic Era – which spanned from 305BC to 30BC.

This makes the mummy around a staggering 2,300 years old.

The X-ray scan also showed an inscription of the man’s name, according to the Egypt Museum.

However, it is not fully clear if Pacheri or Nenu are written, leaving some mysteries around the mummy still unresolved.

They've established that the Bashiri Mummy would have been an adult man who stood about 5.5 feet (1.7 metres) tall. Photo: Egypt Museum

The museum added that the mummy’s encasement was decorated with “various scenes arranged in registers, notably the mummy lying on a bed, surrounded by the goddesses Isis and Nephtys, and the four sons of Horus.”

“Finally, the casing around the feet has two images of the funerary god Anubis,” it adds.

It is not the only incredible discovery of the Ancient World unveiled in recent weeks.

A network of dimly lit tunnels under Rome’s Capitoline Hill could soon become the city’s latest tourist hot spot.

The secret underground city covers some 42,000 square feet (3,902 square metres) under the Ancient Roman Forum – and reaches depths of 985 feet (300 metres) below the surface.

It is expected to be open for visitors from late 2026 or early 2027, CNN has reported.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as New technology uncovers hidden details of Egypt's 2,300-year-old 'untouchable' mummy