An example of 3D image recreating the skull of an Incan mummy.
An X-ray of Tutankhamun's skull, the arrow pointing to a possible cause of death.

Paleoradiology

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Paleoradiology is the study of archaeological remains through the use of radiology equipment and techniques, such as X-ray, CT (computer tomography) and micro-CT scans, as well as MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging). It is predominately used by archaeologists and anthropologists as a method of uncovering mummified remains due to its non-invasive manner. The integrity of the remains are still intact, whilst specialists are able to discover artefacts or post-mortem damage on the body. Radiological images are also able to contribute evidence about the person’s life such as age and cause of death. Although this method has been around since the last 19th century, the use of paleoradiology has yet to be determined as accurate due to inconsistencies revealed in images of mummified remains.

Techniques

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History of Use

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Current Use in Archeology

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Egyptology

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Statue of Paramesses (later known as Ramesses I), pharaoh of Egypt during the 20th dynasty of New Kingdom Egypt. Remains thought to be his have been imaged revealing his organs were removed and stacked with folded linen as per traditional Egyptian burial practices.

References

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https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/radiographics.22.2.g02mr13377 (use in archeology)

https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/docview/236112998?pq-origsite=summon ((use in archeology and evaluation of use)

https://link-springer-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/article/10.1007%2Fs00256-006-0144-y (use in archeology)

https://link-springer-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-3-540-48833-0.pdf (techniques, history of use)

https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/docview/235982587?pq-origsite=summon (history of use)