Study shows mummification process left preserved remains smelling sweet and woody In a nutshell Ancient Egyptian mummies emit surprisingly pleasant scents characterized by woody, spicy, and sweet notes,

Scent was an important consideration in the mummification process that used oils, waxes and balms to preserve the body and its spirit for the afterlife. The practice was largely reserved for pharaohs and nobility and pleasant smells were associated with purity and deities while bad odors were signs of corruption and decay.

Researchers studying ancient mummies were able to determine the odors of them. The team assessed smells of the mummies at a museum in Egypt. Some of the mummies evaluated for their scents were 5,000 years old. Researchers studying well-preserved Egyptian mummies discovered that they smell good.