Enhancing mummy ‘palaeobiographies’ through the use of multidisciplinary techniques and approaches

•Ante-mortem damage to the ribs indicative of a blow by a sharp, possibly curved, object from behind, suggesting that Takabuti was murdered.•mtDNA revealed the rare Eurasian H4a1 haplogroup suggestive of the introduction of new gene pools during the Late Period of ancient Egyptian history.•Proteomics indicate protracted leg muscle activity in the hours before death.•Chemical analysis and microscopy of packing material inserted during mummification discovered wood shavings, including imported cedar, and congealed resin.The resin was identical to the mummification balm from the original bandages.•Packing material’s radiocarbon date indicated mummification in the Third Intermediate Period and in keeping with the previously dated hair and the stylistic dating of the coffin that placed it in the 25th Dynasty.