A Royal Mummy’s Unexpected Adventure
The Theft and Sale
In the mid-19th century, a remarkable series of events unfolded that would see the mummy of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh embark on an extraordinary journey. The story begins with the theft of Ramesses I’s mummy from its resting place in the Royal Cachette at Deir el-Bahari by the notorious Abu-Rassul family of grave robbers. This priceless artifact was then sold by Mustapha Aga Ayat, a Turkish vice-consular agent in Luxor, to Dr. James Douglas, who transported it to North America around 1860.
A Century in Obscurity
For over 130 years, the mummy’s true identity remained a mystery. It found an unlikely home in the Niagara Museum and Daredevil Hall of Fame in Ontario, Canada, where it was displayed alongside various curiosities and oddities. The mummy had been purchased by Dr. Douglas for his friend Sydney Barnett, who then placed it in this unconventional museum.
The Road to Discovery
A Chance for Identification
The mummy’s fate took a turn when the museum’s owner decided to sell. Canadian businessman William Jamieson acquired the museum’s contents and, with the expertise of Egyptologist Gayle Gibson, began to unravel the mystery of the mummy’s identity.
Scientific Investigation
Researchers at Emory University conducted extensive tests, including CT scans, X-rays, skull measurements, and radiocarbon dating. These scientific analyses, combined with aesthetic interpretations of family resemblance, strongly suggested that the mummy was indeed Ramesses I. A telling clue was the position of the mummy’s arms, crossed high across the chest – a pose reserved for Egyptian royalty until 600 BC.
The Return of a Pharaoh
Confirmation and Repatriation
The mummy eventually became part of the collection at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. After verifying its likely identity as Ramesses I, the museum made the noble decision to return the pharaoh to his homeland. In 2003, after more than 140 years away, the mummy of Ramesses I was finally repatriated to Egypt.
The Legacy of Ramesses I
While Ramesses I’s reign was brief – lasting only about one year and four months – his historical significance is profound. As the founder of Egypt’s 19th Dynasty, he paved the way for the powerful reigns of his son Seti I and his grandson, the famous Ramesses II. His mummy’s incredible journey serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with ancient Egypt and the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage.
