Mummification Process History |
| Ancient Egypt had developed the best way of preserving memories of their dead, and eventually developed the most effective process of mummification out of all ancient civilizations. The earliest Egyptians buried the dead bodies of their peers in underground pits where dry heat and sand naturally dehydrated the bodies and created natural mummies. Eventually they started using coffins to protect the bodies from wild animals, but these bodies barred from natural heat and sand, easily decayed. Then came one of the greatest inventions made by man in human history, the process of preserving dead bodies following a series of scientific steps, o be termed "mummification" by modern society. Mummification of a body consists of two primary steps- embalming and wrapping to prepare the body for burial. The body is taken to the 'ibu' or Tent of Purification where the embalmers wash it with water from the Nile and palm wine. Many of the internal organs are removed from one side as they decompose the fastest. The heart is left inside the body as ancient Egyptians believed that it would be needed in the afterlife to judge a person's moral character. The brain was pulled out through the nose by using a long stick. The body was then stuffed with natron and covered. Fourty days later, the body was washed again and covered with oil to give it an elastic nature. The dehydrated organs were either put back in the body,or put in canopic jars especially prepared for these organs. These jars were also ritualistic and were dedicated to gods guarding each organ, for example, Imsety for the liver, Hapy for the lungs,etc. the body is then stuffed with dry saw dust, leaves and linen. After this the whole body is wrapped with linen strips and amulets are put to protect the dead body in its journey to the afterlife. Liquid resin helps to glue the bandages together. The body is then put inside a coffin. Amidst a lot of festivities, chants and ritualistic prayers the body is finally taken to be put inside the tomb.Inside the tomb the coffin is put inside a sarcophagus, after carryng out the "opening of the mouth" ceremony. This process of mummification was intimately connected with the ancient belief in the afterlife. The Egyptians believed tht the soul needs a body in the afterlife and hence a proper protection of the dead body was undertaken through mummifying it. This indirectly points to the fact that ancient Egyptians had a great anatomical knowledge. In time the process was elaborated and new discoveries made from time to time. The root of all such elaboration was a ritualistic and the blind faith of the Egyptians in an afterlife, as real as the life they lived in this world. |
| Money & Coins | Recreation Part 1 | Trading of Goods |
| Famous Monuments | Recreation Part 2 | Translation Of Hieroglyphics |
| Mummies / Mummification | Religion Part 1 | Transportation System |
| Music in Ancient Egypt | Religion Part 2 | Viziers Ranking |
| Musical Instruments | Religious Beliefs | Famous Wars Fought |
| Myths Part 1: Creation, Eye of Ra | Sarcophagus | Weaponry & Chain of Command |
| Myths Part 2: Death | Children's Schools | Common Weapons Used in War |
| Names and Meanings | Science and Technology | Women's Life Part 1 |
| Numbering System | Role of Scribes | Women's Life Part 2 |
| Obelisks Designs | Life of Slaves & Slavery | Status of Women |
| Paintings Style, Colours | Social Classes in Ancient Egypt | British Museum and Ancient Egypt |
| Papyrus Invention | Soldiers in the Army | Burial Tombs In Ancient Egypt |
| Pharaohs Dynasties | Sphinxes - majestic monuments | Concept of Afterlife |
| Pottery Designs | Common Sports Played | Farming In Ancient Egypt |
| Priests' Role | Famous Statues | Common Food and Drink |
| Process Of Embalming | Symbols and Meanings | King Tutankhamun of Egypt |
| Famous Proverbs | Tattoos and Designs | Sun God: Ra |
| Queens Part 1: Cleopatra | Technology Advancements | The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt |
| Queens Part 2: Other Queens | Temples' Significance | Valley of The Kings |
| Popular Quotes | Commonly used Tools | Pictures/Photos |
