A mummified fetus has been discovered in an ancient sarcophagus at an Egypt center in Wales.

A mummified fetus has been discovered in an ancient sarcophagus at an Egypt center in Wales.

Although it was previously thought to be a 19th century forgery, further investigation using a CT X-ray scan suggests that the 20 inch sarcophagus is authentic, but the inscription was probably written by someone who was illiterate.

The fetus inside is believed to be between 12 to 16 weeks old based on the physical evidence, and experts think that it is from the 26th Dynasty sometime around the year 600 B.C.

Because of the red painted face, and other decorative elements of the sarcophagus, the unborn child is believed to be a male.

Carolyn Graves-Brown from Swansea University is quoted as saying: “In contrast to the usual practice in the west today, it seems that the foetus could often be treated with care in ancient Egypt. The placenta was believed to represent the twin of the self and so was disposed of with care too.”

Evidence from other ancient Egyptian sites, like the two coffins containing unborn children that were found in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen, are also examples of how fetus’ were treated.