Unwrapping a Mummy: The Life, Death, and Embalming of Horemkenesi (Egyptian Bookshelf) [Paperback]

John H. Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1995 | Series: Egyptian Bookshelf

Horemkenesi was an Egyptian priest and official who lived at Thebes in the eleventh century B.C. The unwrapping and scientific examination of his mummified body (the last such investigation to have been carried out in Britain) provided a rare opportunity to study the remains of a known historical figure using the most sophisticated technology and methods of analysis. By combining the results of this study with information from inscriptions on Horemkenesi's coffin and rock graffiti recording his work in the cemeteries of Thebes, it is possible to build up a fascinating picture of the life, death, and mummification of an ancient Egyptian. The first part of this book considers Horemkenesi's life and work against the backdrop of Upper Egypt in the troubled times of the early Twentieth Dynasty. The second part concentrates on the unwrapping of the mummy: its careful planning, how the delicate operation was carried out, and what discoveries were made. What did Horemkenesi look like? How old was he at death? What was the state of his health? Why did the embalmers not remove his brain, and why were his internal organs missing? These and other questions are answered in this stimulating book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1st University of Texas Press ed edition (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292781415
• ISBN-13: 978-0292781412
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,372,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an informative book on a fascinating subject, January 25, 2001

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unwrapping a Mummy: The Life, Death, and Embalming of Horemkenesi (Egyptian Bookshelf) (Paperback)

The author describes the unwrapping and examination of the Egyptian priest Horemkenesi's mummy, which dates back to the 11th century BC. Based on his research, the author has been able to picture the death and mummification of the Ancient Egyptians. Divided in two sections, the first one takes the priest's life in the Twenty-First Dynasty into account, and the second one focuses on his mummy. Illustrated in color as well as in black and white, this recommended book will be most enjoyed by the mummy enthusiast.