13Why Is The Screaming Mummy Screaming?
The screaming mummy was discovered in 1886. Why does it have an agonized expression? Why, unlike most mummies, does it have all its organs intact?
Archaeologist Bob Brier believes the mummy’s facial expression is the result of being murdered, while an accomplice made sure the body was fully preserved. Other researchers think the scream is the result of poisoning or being buried alive. In 2008 National Geographic looked into the theory that the mummy was the son of Pharaoh Ramses III, Prince Pentewere, who was allegedly planning patricide.
Ancient documents from the 1100s report that one of the Pharaoh’s wives found out about the plan, and poisoned Pentewere. Thus, the scream is a result of the pain from the poison. The simplest theory suggests the mummy’s jaw fell open when his head rolled back after death.
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