NEW YORK, Aug 3: An ancient Egyptian woman, known as the "Screaming Woman," has been revealed to have died in extreme agony, causing her muscles to lock in a frozen scream that has lasted for 3,500 years. This startling discovery was made through an in-depth analysis of the mummy, which was detailed in a study published on August 2 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine.

The analysis uncovered that the Screaming Woman had been embalmed with costly imported substances and had all her internal organs preserved, a rare practice in ancient Egyptian mummification. Typically, organs were removed during the mummification process, but this mummy’s preservation was notably exceptional, according to Sahar Saleem, a mummy radiologist at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital of Cairo University and co-author of the study.

"This was surprising, as the classic method of mummification during the New Kingdom period usually involved removing all organs except the heart," Saleem told Live Science. The woman was discovered in 1935 near Luxor, Egypt, in the tomb of Senenmut, an important architect and rumored lover of Queen Hatshepsut. The Screaming Woman, likely a relative of Senenmut, was found in a nearby burial chamber.

Her distinctive gaping mouth, which led to her name, is attributed to cadaveric spasm—an involuntary muscle contraction occurring at or near the time of death due to extreme pain. This phenomenon is distinct from other mummies with open mouths, such as Prince Pentawere and Princess Meritamun, whose expressions were due to different causes.

The woman’s elaborate embalming included traces of juniper resin and frankincense, imported luxury items from the Eastern Mediterranean and East Africa, which helped prevent decay. Her black wig, made from date palm and dyed with henna and juniper, was also analyzed, revealing a mix of quartz and other minerals used to stiffen the wig.

The computed tomography (CT) scans provided additional insights into her physical state, revealing she was approximately 48 years old, about 5 feet tall, and may have suffered from mild arthritis. The CT scans also showed she had lost several teeth before her death.

Saleem and her team anticipate that future scientific advancements will offer more insights into the life and death of the Screaming Woman. "Her well-preserved body acts as a time capsule, offering a glimpse into her life, the diseases she experienced, and the agony of her final moments," Saleem said.

The Screaming Woman is currently housed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, while her coffin and rings are displayed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.