Scientists have examined the mummy of a pregnant teenage mother found in Egypt. Photo

By TravelWiseJan 3, 2024 06:39 AMNews
Share:
Scientists examine the mummy of a teenage mother pregnant with twins
Scientists examine the mummy of a teenage mother pregnant with twins. Source: arkeonews.net

Scientists have examined the mummy of a teenage girl who was pregnant with twins and died during childbirth in ancient Egypt.

They found that the head of the first-born child was stuck in the birth canal, leading to the deaths of both babies and the mother, according to a report on the study's results in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, as reported by Arkeonews.

It is noted that the girl died during childbirth over 1,500 years ago. Scientists determined that she was between 14 and 17 years old.

The mummy of the teenage mother was discovered in the Egyptian city of Kharga in the cemetery of El Bagawat in 1908. Her body was treated with "a lot of salt," which was an ancient Egyptian practice for preserving the dead. The mummy is dated to the Late Dynasty period in ancient Egyptian history, spanning 404-343 BC.

Historical records indicate that a fetus and placenta were found between the legs of the woman in labor. The researchers concluded that the woman died due to complications during childbirth.

Archaeologists suggest that when the mummy naturally deteriorated, the second unborn child likely moved from the womb to the chest cavity.

Scientists have examined the mummy of a pregnant teenage mother found in Egypt. Photo
Scientists have examined the mummy of a pregnant teenage mother found in Egypt. Photo. Source: arkeonews.net

This study of a mummy of a mother and her children confirms how dangerous pregnancy and childbirth were at the time.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Tehran skyline backed by snow-capped mountains

Major Airlines Reroute as Iran Tensions Disrupt Middle East Flights

Jan 26, 2026 00:58 AM
Red sale signage in shop window

Spring Fare Sale Puts Vietjet Deluxe Seats on Offer

Jan 25, 2026 16:55 PM

New Low-Cost Link Brings Romania’s ‘Little Vienna’ Within Reach

Jan 25, 2026 16:49 PM

Rail Works Disrupt Key Rome–Airport Link This Spring

Jan 25, 2026 16:31 PM
KLM aircraft on the runway preparing for departure

KLM Halts Middle East Routes as Airspace Tensions Rise

Jan 25, 2026 16:16 PM
Interior check-in hall at London Heathrow Terminal

UK Tightens Entry Rules with Digital Travel Pass

Jan 24, 2026 19:28 PM
View of Yerevan at sunset with Mount Ararat in the background

Vienna Lands a Direct Airbridge to Yerevan

Jan 24, 2026 18:43 PM
Close-up of a relaxed puppy lying down

Cagliari Airport Opens Pet Zone for Travellers with Animals

Jan 24, 2026 18:14 PM
Reception desk at the new Plaza Premium First lounge in Rome Fiumicino Terminal 1

Fiumicino Adds New Premium Lounge Option

Jan 24, 2026 17:57 PM

Heavy Rain and Wind Begin to Disrupt Journeys Across Britain

Jan 24, 2026 00:52 AM

Asiana Tightens Power Bank Rules

Jan 23, 2026 21:45 PM
Hand holding a large water bottle inside an airport terminal

Big Bottles Back: Heathrow Drops 100ml Liquid Rule

Jan 23, 2026 21:29 PM
Street view with Oujda’s clock tower and busy city traffic

Rotterdam Gains Summer Link to Oujda

Jan 23, 2026 21:13 PM
Person using laptop with headphones on an aeroplane

KLM Brings Free In-Flight WiFi to Europe

Jan 23, 2026 04:47 AM
Snow-covered airport apron during winter weather

Weather Disruption Prompts Loganair to Offer Flexible Rebooking

Jan 23, 2026 04:34 AM

Edinburgh Airport Clears Up Hand Luggage Confusion

Jan 23, 2026 04:21 AM

UK Visa Scam Alert Hits Cyprus Applicants

Jan 23, 2026 04:19 AM
Colourful breakfast and brunch dishes on a table with natural sunlight

Airbnb Adds Meal Delivery Twist with Chef-Made Dishes

Jan 22, 2026 04:36 AM
Aerial view of Nice marina with yachts and hillside apartments under a clear sky

Bratislava Lands New Budget Route to the Riviera

Jan 22, 2026 04:23 AM
Person viewing airport departure screens with camera on shoulder

Europe Faces Widespread Flight Disruptions

Jan 22, 2026 03:48 AM
Renfe train at a Spanish station under iron roof

Spain Rail Crash Disrupts Travel and Triggers Price Spikes

Jan 21, 2026 23:15 PM
Ancient stone theatre overlooking Athens rooftops and hills

Lisbon Gains New Direct Link to Athens

Jan 21, 2026 22:52 PM

Manchester Lists Winter Sun Deals Starting at £30

Jan 21, 2026 04:34 AM

European ‘City’ Airports That Are Nowhere Near the City

Jan 21, 2026 03:37 AM
Air France aircraft taking off against mountain backdrop

Air–Rail Link-Up Expands as OUIGO Joins Train+Air

Jan 21, 2026 02:05 AM
Rail workers walking across tracks during maintenance works

Aberdeen Station Faces Three Weekend Shutdowns for Track Renewal

Jan 21, 2026 00:18 AM