Scientists have successfully decoded the ancient aroma of Egyptian mummification balms by identifying their ingredients, allowing them to recreate the scent.

This recreated fragrance, known as “the scent of eternity” or “the scent of eternal life,” is based on a blend of beeswax, plant oils, and tree resins that were used over 3,500 years ago to preserve the remains of a noblewoman named Senetnay.

The aroma can be experienced at an upcoming exhibition at the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark. This discovery not only provides insights into Senetnay’s social status but also sheds light on the advanced methods employed in her preservation.

Lead study author Barbara Huber from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany highlights the exquisite care and sophistication involved in creating the balms, as indicated by the elaborate and diverse ingredients used.

The inclusion of rare and expensive substances like dammar or Pistacia tree resin suggests Senetnay’s exceptional status in society.