News > Atom smasher unearths surprises hidden with 2000-year-old mummy

Atom smasher unearths surprises hidden with 2000-year-old mummy

Thanks to a bit of help from a particle accelerator, scientists have discovered an unusual amulet interred with a 2000-year-old mummy. Among the discoveries was a 7-millimetre-long artefact made from a mineral called calcite.

This was located near the mummy’s belly, where the body was cut open to remove the organs during mummification. The researchers speculate that the object was an amulet placed near the site of evisceration to offer spiritual protection.