Name: Science meets Eternity: Radiology unveils Ancient Egyptian Mummies' Secrets
Start: 2025-10-07T18:00:00+01:00
Location: Convento de São José

Science meets Eternity: Radiology unveils Ancient Egyptian Mummies’ Secrets
On Tuesday 7th October, the Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by Physician and Radiologist Dr Carlos Silva Prates. The first lecture will be at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Bras de Alportel, the second lecture will be at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa.
In this presentation Dr Carlos Prates will be exploring some of the remarkable findings revealed using X-rays. For almost 130 years, Radiology has enabled us to peer beyond the surface of objects without compromising their integrity. He will share with us one of his more remarkable journeys, exploring Egyptian mummies through Computed Tomography. He unveiled their appearances, hidden stories, mummification practices, diseases and even causes of death. Furthermore, acknowledging them and somehow bringing them to life again may have approached their most cherished desire: to be reborn. This endeavour asserts the extraordinary bridge between modern science and timeless history, and as such, he hopes that we will enjoy it as much as he has during his immersive adventure.
Carlos Silva Prates was born in Lisbon and dreamed of becoming an archaeologist since the age of 8. However, he decided at 13 to become a doctor, ultimately pursuing a long career in Radiology. Since 2002, thanks to the unique powers of X-rays, through Palaeoradiology and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), he has somehow fulfilled his dream. In 2007 he started with the mummies of the MNA (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia) and, later, also studied mummies from Luxor, Egypt. In these fields he has made multiple presentations and published several articles.
Non-members are welcome to attend AAA lectures for a 5-euro admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being used for archaeological grants and speakers. For more information contact [email protected], visit arquealgarve.weebly.com or Facebook 'Algarve Archaeological Association'. Please check the website or Facebook page for any last-minute changes.