A quarter-century ago, a mysterious unidentified cadaver found its way to Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum. Curator Peter Lacovara, alongside a team of researchers and Egyptologists, delved into the enigma of the remains dubbed the “Niagara Falls Mummy.”
After extensive exploration, the remains were confirmed to be that of Ramesses I, a significant figure in ancient Egyptian history whose remains had been lost for millennia. This discovery culminated in the mummy’s return to Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between Atlanta and the remnants of Ancient Egypt.
Born as “Paramessu” in the mid-14th century BC, Ramesses I ascended to the pharaoh’s throne in 1292 BC, succeeding Horemheb, a ruler who left no heir. His rise deviated from the tradition of royal bloodline succession, heralding the start of the 19th Dynasty and the renowned Ramesside era.
However, Ramesses I’s rule was short-lived, lasting less than two years, leading to a small and hastily constructed tomb that paled in comparison to those of his successors, Seti I and Ramesses the Great. Following his death, the Valley of the Kings was raided by grave robbers in the 10th century BC, prompting the relocation of Ramesses I and other royal mummies to a secret sanctuary.
These remains were later rediscovered in the 1800s and sold to museums, including Canada’s Niagara Falls Museum, which exhibited a collection of Egyptian antiquities alongside other curiosities. In the 1970s, famed Egyptologist Arne Eggebrecht examined the skeleton, initially misidentified as the queen Nefertiti, and noted its potential royal status.
The Niagara Falls Museum ceased operations in 1999, placing its eclectic collection, including Ramesses I’s unidentified remains, up for sale. Lacovara, now senior curator at the Carlos Museum, was alerted to the sale by a colleague. Though intrigued by the rumors surrounding a potential royal mummy, Lacovara was primarily fascinated by the other artifacts, particularly the exquisite coffins from the Third Intermediate Period.
The Carlos Museum faced financial hurdles, needing nearly $2 million for the acquisition. A community-driven fundraising campaign resulted in an impressive $1,750,000, showing Atlanta’s strong support for preserving its historical connection to Egypt. Lacovara packed the collection and organized a public exhibition, which included a recreated tomb setting, significantly boosting interest in Egyptology within Atlanta.
Dr. William E. Torres conducted radiological studies on the mummies within this new collection. Utilizing advanced CT scans and X-ray imaging, he discovered remarkable features suggesting that one mummy, distinctly positioned with its arms crossed, could indeed belong to the royal lineage, further supported by its facial characteristics aligning with other known Ramesses mummies.
Notably, Torres found two tightly rolled tubes of linen in the chest cavity of this particular mummy, a trait unique to Seti I, Ramesses I’s son. Archaeological findings, including fragments of painted tomb relief stones likely originating from Seti I’s tomb, strengthened the case for identifying the remains as those of Ramesses I.
With growing evidence, Lacovara argued for the return of Ramesses I to Egypt. Zahi Hawass, the former Egyptian minister of tourism and antiquities, concurred, emphasizing the importance of keeping such treasures within their native land. Upon agreeing to the mummy’s repatriation, the museum requested only a free public lecture from Hawass in Atlanta.
During the exhibition “Ramesses I: Science and the Search for the Lost Pharaoh,” attendees were treated to insights about this iconic figure. Lacovara accompanied the mummy to Cairo for a grand unveiling, where the atmosphere was electrifying. Hawass remarked that Ramesses I was received in Cairo like a living king, underscoring the cultural significance of the event.
Following the exhibition in Cairo, Ramesses I found a new home in the Luxor Museum, alongside an exhibit dedicated to ancient Egyptian military history. Despite the brevity of Ramesses I’s reign, his post-pharaonic story, especially through the narrative of his rediscovery and return, stands out as one of the most compelling tales from the New Kingdom period.
While Ramesses I’s identity remains subject to final confirmation through DNA testing, the placard accompanying his remains serves as a testament to the critical role Atlanta played in his story. It highlights that the mummy lay unnoticed in the Niagara Falls Museum for over a century before being carefully studied in Atlanta.
The ongoing appreciation for Emory University’s contributions to Egyptology reflects a significant commitment to historical preservation. Annie Shanley, the museum’s provenance researcher, articulated the profound impact that this acquisition has had, not just for Emory but for the entire city of Atlanta, fostering a connection to ancient Egypt’s rich heritage.
This year, Hawass is set to conduct new DNA comparisons to further confirm the identity of Ramesses I against known relatives, Seti I and Ramesses II. On June 14, he will share insights from his archaeological experiences and recent finds at the Georgia World Congress Center, offering Atlantans a glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt.
In summary, the story of Ramesses I exemplifies the intersection between ancient history and modern community engagement. The joint effort between Emory University, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and the citizens of Atlanta has not only recaptured a piece of history but also renewed interest in Egyptology for future generations.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/05/this-is-how-emory-experts-helped-return-a-lost-pharaoh-to-egypt/
