Microbial examination of archaeological mummy No. 335 in the museum storehouse in Diabat - Akhmim –Sohag

Abstract

Microbiological examination of a sarcophagus containing an archaeological mummy in the museum storehouse (Kamal Fahmy) in Al-Diyabat in Sohag bearing No. (335). It was found using the sensors for building a wall for the monastery of the Virgin Mary in Akhmim in the year 2000, and it is in a poor state of preservation. The mummy is completely wrapped in linen wraps and placed inside a wooden coffin in the form of a human (anthropoid). The mummy and coffin were subjected to microbial examination to suggest a maintenance plan. Fungi were isolated from the coffin floor, wooden coils, coffin lid, white mortar, red colored mortar and light and dark linen wraps of the mummy. The results showed the presence of microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic matter such as cellulose, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium herbarum, Rizobous.