Lifting the lid — the lost story of an extraordinary Egyptian coffin revealed

A wooden sarcophogas is sold in a Cairo market in the 1800s, transported to Australia, and held in a University of Sydney collection. It remains closed for over a century. And then scientists opened its lid. What happened next? Two leading Australian Egyptologists join Natasha Mitchell to consider the ethics, history, and science of a quest to understand life and death in Ancient Egypt and get a glimpse into one woman's world over 2500 years ago. But is it really Mer-Neith-It-Es? This event was presented by the Australian Museum as part of the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaoh's exhibition . Thanks to Liz Young, Narelle Lewis, and the museum team. Original broadcast on April 10, 2024. Speakers Ronika Power Egyptologist and Professor of BioarchaeologyDirector, Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and Environment Macquarie University Dr Constance (Conni) Lord Egyptologist Chau Chak Wing Museum , University of Sydney Further information: The Australian Museum The Mummy Project, University of Sydney Uncovering the secrets of Ancient Egypt (University of Sydney) Human remains research project The Mummy Project at the Chau Chak Wing Museum (Sydney University Press eBooks, 2022)