

A recent MRI scan on the mummified remains of a Siberian princess has uncovered the cause of her death some 2,500 years ago.



Russian scientists learned from the scan that the princess ­ whose body was discovered in 1993 ­ died of breast cancer. It was also learned that the "Siberian Ice Maiden" likely smoked marijuana to cope with pain.



Preserved by ice, the body was originally discovered by Russian archaeologists in the Altai Mountains. The remains drew interest because the body was covered with intricate tattoos, fine clothing and jewelry, the Siberian Times reports.



The MRI scan showed that the princess had suffered from osteomyelitis, an infection of bone marrow. She also suffered a fractured skull jest before her death. However, the ultimate cause of death was cancer, the scientists said.



A container of cannabis was found next to the mummy, and the scientists believe she was using it to cope with pain.



The Siberian Times reported that the mummy has "brought extraordinary advances in our understanding of the rich and ingenious Pazyryk culture."



The Pazyryk culture has been identified by artifacts and mummified remains in the Altay Mountains and also in Mongolia.