Herakleides (mummy)

Mummy of Herakleides
Height179.8 cm
Width45 cm
Depth32.5 cm
Created120-140 AD
Present locationGetty Villa
CultureRomano-Egyptian
Close-up of portrait

The Mummy of Herakleides is a Romano-Egyptian red-shroud portrait mummy dating to the 2nd century AD.[1][2] It is a rare example of a mummy portrait found complete with its painted panels.[3] It is currently on display at the Getty Villa.[1]

Herakleides

A study of his bones and teeth determined that Herakleides was about 18-20 years old at the time of his death, which was around 120-140 AD. The quality of his portrait and materials used indicate that he was of high social status.[3]

Details

The shroud of the mummy was painted red and then with a number of motifs, including an ibis at the abdomen.[2] A CAT scan revealed that underneath the painted ibis, a mummified ibis was placed, which is unusual in Egyptian human mummification. This may indicate Herakleides had a connection to the god Thoth, and was a priest or scribe.[4]

Herakleides' name is inscribed in Greek above his feet. Translated, it reads "Herakleides, son of Thermos."[4]

References

  1. ^ a b "Mummy of Herakleides". The J. Paul Getty Museum Collection. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  2. ^ a b Corcoran, Lorelei H; Svoboda, Marie (1 Feb 2011). Herakleides: A Portrait Mummy from Roman Egypt. J. Paul Getty Museum. ISBN 978-1606060360.
  3. ^ a b Cole, Sara E; Svoboda, Marie; Rebbani, Yousra (1 July 2021). "Meet the Portrait Mummy of Herakleides". Getty. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  4. ^ a b "Investigating Herakleides: A Portrait Mummy from Roman Egypt". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2024-07-06.

Further reading