Greetings,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am currently a graduate student in Egyptology, and am engaged in a semi-independent research project which I am considering turning into a PhD dissertation. In 1948, human remains were discovered in the Red Pyramid of Dashur during an archaeological expedition led by Abdel Salaam Hussein. During the course of my investigation, I have tracked the remains to the Qasr el-Aini anatomy school in Cairo, the same institution that held the remains of Tutankhamun's unborn children.


The original excavation reports and accompanying photographs have been traced to the Oriental Institute and a university in Milan respectively. Myself along with a colleague are currently in the process of drafting letters to these respective institutions in order to obtain copies of the documents in photographs which should prove a boon to further research. Unfortunately, the anatomy school has been less than cooperative. They have not responded to emails or any attempt at communication. The professional Egyptologists I have been in contact with regarding this matter include Aidan Dodson, Bob Brier, and Miroslav Verner, all of whom are convinced the remains are those of King Sneferu himself.


I am also under the conviction that the remains are those of Sneferu, and would consequently like to have them subjected to C14 analysis. If they fall into the spectrum of 2650-2550 BC, then that is strong evidence that they are from the original royal burial. If at all possible, I would also like to have the remains subjected to a comparative DNA test with any mummies or parts thereof comprising known relatives of Sneferu. The ideal specimen was of course the exceptionally well preserved mummy of Sneferu's son, Prince Ranefer which was held in the British Museum's Egyptian collection for half a century. Unfortunately, this mummy was destroyed during a German air raid in 1940, so a comparative DNA test is no longer an option.


The purpose of this post is not simply to inform a broad spectrum of Egyptologists and Egypt enthusiasts of my research, but also to inquire as to whether anyone on this forum has additional information about the 1948 discovery? I would also like to know if anyone is aware of any mummified remains of known blood relatives of Sneferu's being held in any museum or private collections around the world?


In order to ascertain whether the Red Pyramid mummy is Sneferu, both C14 and DNA analysis would be needed.


I thank you all in advance.