Top 10 Egyptian Mysteries That Were Finally SOLVED

#10: Mummy Materials

For years, weve known about the mummification process in ancient Egypt. However, the materials and chemicals used have always been a mystery, with scientists inferring what was used. Well, that changed recently. In 2016, a long-lost burial ground was found in Saqqara. On the site, mummification workshops were also located, which held ancient containers. In 2023, thanks to molecular analysis examining residue in 31 of the 121 recovered pots, scientists were able to piece together what chemicals were used in the mysterious ritual. The identified compounds include juniper oil, beeswax, animal fats, and pistachio tree resin. The research also indicated which chemical was required for which part of the body, such as castor oil's use on the head.

#9: The Screaming Mummy

There have been two discoveries earning the nickname the screaming mummy. One is of the prince Pentawere, whose scream is thought to be the result of a hasty embalming. The other is of an unidentified woman found in the tomb of Senenmut. The second case has fascinated researchers with the lack of information. However, in 2024, Sahar Saleem and Samia El-Merghani conducted a CT scan on the woman to do a virtual autopsy. They found she had all her organs, which was unusual for the time, and that she was treated with typical mummification chemicals. However, the cause of death is unclear. The researchers believe it could be a case of cadaveric spasm, screaming as she perished from pain. However, this spasms existence is disputed.

#8: The Purpose of the Egyptian Blue Lotus

Found in tombs of royalty and mentioned in ancient texts is the Egyptian blue lotus flower. This stunning plant wasnt just adored for its appearance, smell, or medicinal properties. Instead, it seemingly had a more ritual aspect to it. In 2025, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, compared the Egyptian lotus to those found online and realized they were often different species. During this study, Liam McEvoy found that the ancient lotus was used in the Hathoric Festival, where people would consume beverages with the flower, pass out, and then see the goddess Hathor upon waking. He also put forward the idea that back then, the lotus was infused with an oil, which was then added to wine for festivities.

#7: The Fall of Ramesses III

Upon finding the remains of Ramesses III in 1886, scientists were baffled by what led to his demise for decades. While a collection of papyrus trial transcripts spoke about an assassination attempt on the Pharaoh, it wasnt clear whether it was successful. Well, in 2012, we got the answer. During a CT scan on Ramessess mummified remains, a large wound was found across his neck underneath a load of bandages. In 2016, Sahar Saleem and Zahi Hawass conducted further scans. They determined that Ramesses had also sustained a toe injury, leading to them concluding that multiple assassins were involved with various weapons. The court documents pointed to one of Ramessess wives, Tiye, looking to end her husband to install their son Pentawere as Pharaoh.

#6: The Lost Army of Cambyses

According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, around 525 BCE, Cambyses II of the Achaemenid Empire sent an army of 50,000 soldiers to threaten an oracle at the Siwa Oasis in Egypt. However, he stated the group was engulfed by a sandstorm. Yet archaeologists have had no luck in finding their remains for years. In 2009, archaeologists Angelo and Alfredo Castiglioni discovered human remains and artifacts from Persia around the same time the army was lost. In 2014, Olaf Kaper found writings about Petubastis III, leading to the discovery of a cover-up. Kaper concluded that Petubastiss army destroyed Cambysess. However, when Darius I took over from Petubastis, he removed mention of this to hide his predecessor rebelling against Persia.

#5: The Discovery of Thutmose II

Despite being the fourth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, little is known about Thutmose II. Typically, it's believed by researchers that his reign lasted around 13 years. However, theres speculation it could have been a lot longer or a lot shorter. Even the location of Thutmoses tomb was a puzzle. However, that changed in 2022 when archaeologists discovered a burial site. Originally thought to belong to a queen, in 2025, it was revealed to be Thutmoses, making it the first royal tomb since finding Tutankhamuns in 1922. Thutmoses mummy was found in 1881 in a separate location. Its believed shortly after being buried in his tomb, damage from a waterfall caused people to relocate his remains.

#4: The Death of Tutankhamun

Probably the most famous pharaoh due to his well-preserved tomb, Tutankhamun only ruled for nine years before perishing in 1323 BCE at the age of around 18. The cause of what took his life stumped researchers, leading to speculation he was murdered. Yet in 2006, a team of scientists suggested an infected leg fracture and malaria was responsible. Additional tests later found Tutankhamun had many health issues, likely contributing to his demise. However, in 2013, the Egypt Exploration Society, after scanning his mummy, concluded he likely died after being hit by a chariot. In 2023, Sofia Aziz went further by claiming Tutankhamun drove a chariot while intoxicated, leading to a fatal crash.

#3: Tutankhamun's Curse

Months after opening Tutankhamuns tomb in 1922, many of those involved in the project began to pass away from a variety of illnesses. Its believed six or more people lost their lives. This gave rise to the superstition that there was a curse upon those who entered. Sadly, this terrifying belief seemingly has weight to it. Instead of being the result of the dark arts, something else was involved. In 1972, after Polands King Casimir IVs tomb was opened, several people involved passed away. It was discovered that a toxic fungus was responsible. This gave rise to the belief the same had happened with Tutankhamun. However, in 2024, Ross Fellowes found evidence of radiation in the tomb, which may have been a cause of death.

#2: Egyptian Hieroglyphs

For centuries, scientists struggled to understand what the intricate and fascinating Egyptian writings meant due to them containing hieroglyphic, hieratic, and demotic scripts, among others. No one could translate the ancient texts. In 1799, Napoleons French forces found the Rosetta Stone in Egypt. Many linguists studied the stone, which had multiple languages inscribed, each discovering something new about hieroglyphics. Two stand-out researchers were Englands Thomas Young and Frances Jean-François Champollion. In 1822, Champollion published the Lettre à M. Dacier, which roughly deciphered Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. This major breakthrough allowed other linguists, such as Karl Richard Lepsius and Emmanuel de Rougé, to refine Champollions efforts and translate the lost script.

#1: Building the Great Pyramid of Giza

Today, the Great Pyramid of Giza sits in a desert. This architectural achievement has led to a whole host of conspiracy theories on how it was created. After all, how else could the massive stone blocks have gotten there except by aliens? Well, in 2024, we got an answer thats more earthbound. Academics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington used a variety of methods, including radar satellite imagery, to find a hidden branch of the river Nile buried under the ground after droughts and sandstorms covered it up. This would have given the pyramids builders access to waterways, making it far, far easier to transport the materials needed to build the spectacle.

What Egyptian mysteries do you really want the answer to that humanity hasnt solved yet? Let us know below!