Under Wraps: An Autopsy of Three Egyptian Mummies

The premise is exciting: three mummies in Sydney, Australia, that have never been unwrapped or examined before, will be studied using CAT scans and a video endoscope. Not only do scholars know the names, ages and occupations of the mummies, the DNA samples from the ancient corpses promise insights into their lifestyles and perhaps what caused their deaths. Unfortunately, the tape ends without revealing the results from the histology lab. Why did the priest Pediashakhet die in his 20s? Might the professional singer Meruah have had breast cancer? What tragedy shortened the life of the pre-teen girl? This great (not to say grave) disappointment prevents this otherwise intriguing and well-produced tape from getting a higher rating. To be fair, the video does show the results of the CAT scans (we learn that Meruah's brain was removed prior to mummification) and there is the undeniable curiosity factor of seeing a mummified body from the inside out, but the program should have tried to answer more questions than it raised for the sake of both classroom and general-interest viewers. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)