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•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.

•Stable isotope results from the Limfjord area show dietary changes through time.•Iron Age δ15N values elevation due to fertiliser usage and aquatic protein intake.•Higher δ15N values in sheep/goats than cattle indicate different feeding strategies.•People adjusted their lifestyle in response to environmental changes.