MUMMIES ONCE TURNED INTO BUTCHER PAPER

MUMMIES ONCE TURNED INTO BUTCHER PAPER

CAIRO, Egypt (Wireless Flash) -- Egyptian mummies are a lot like Rodney Dangerfield -- they never get any respect. That's according to Cairo-based mummy expert Dr. Saleema Ikram, who says the mummies of ancient Egypt have been treated terribly over the years. Back in the 19th century, one enterprising papermaker actually ground up looted mummies and turned them into high quality butcher paper. Then there were 17th century European tourists who didn't consider a trip to Egypt complete unless they brought home a severed mummy's hand or foot as a souvenir. But it gets grosser: Ikram says some folks would create a medicine made out of mummy dust -- which she says has "...the most revolting, sickly sweet smell imaginable." Ikram discusses mummies in "Mummies: The Real Story", a documentary that will premiere next Wednesday (May 5) on the Discovery Channel.

CONTACT: Ikram unavailable for interviews; For more information, contact Alison Boesel; Bethesda, MD; (301) 771-5888