As we reported recently, scientists have discovered that two mummies on display in a museum in Manchester, England may not be full brothers, but only half brothers. But it is the extraordinary tale about these mummies that make them truly an object of fascination for scientists.

A genetic analysis of Nakht-Ankh and Khnum-Nakht revealed that they were born 20 years apart and likely had different fathers, something that many scientists had suspected all along. The half-brothers have been on display since 1908, where they have been a source of fascination for both anthropologists and the public alike.

They come from what is known as the Tomb of Two Brothers, an ancient sepulchre located in Deir Rifeh in Egypt. Anthropologists believe Nakht-Ankh and Khnum Nakht were high status priests in Egyptian society during the 12th dynasty.

The tomb was discovered in 1907 by Flinders Petrie within a small chamber in the courtyard of a much large tomb which belonged to the governor. The entire tomb group is on display in the Manchester Museum now. It is one of the best preserved burials in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt.