Mummies are primarily associated with ancient Egypt. However, studies on a 5600-year-old mummy confirm that this burial technique was used long before the era of the pharaohs. It is believed that the use of embalming began well before the formation of the Old Kingdom and the pyramids.
It was previously believed that mummies began to be created around 2500 BC. However, an analysis of the burials carried out in 2014 pushed back the onset of mummification by another 1,500 years. This is evidenced by a new study published in the Archaeological Scientific Journal. It is important that the research is not based on pieces of cloth or resin, but on an actually found mummy.
Scientists report that their find is not the earliest burial, but it is the first intact human body to be buried around 4300 BC. This shows that mummification was used much earlier than the pharaohs came to power.
The mummy in question is known as Mummy S. 293 (RCGE 16550). It has been known to scientists for a very long time, since it has been exhibited in the Turin Museum since 1901. This mummy has never been subjected to any methods of restoration and improvement of its appearance, which makes it a unique specimen for research.
Research has shown that the body was mummified with a mixture of vegetable oil and pine resin, as well as aromatic plant extract and sugar. This mixture has powerful antibacterial properties. Previously, it was believed that the mummification of S. 293 was carried out exclusively through dry desert conditions. An Egyptian recipe for embalming has been identified for the first time.
Analysis of tooth wear showed that the man was between the ages of 20 and 30 when he was mummified. Examination of the fabric indicates that he lived between about 3650 and 3500 BC. In addition, it was found out that the coniferous resin that was used for embalming was imported to Egypt, probably from the Middle East. This reveals more information about the ancient trade routes.
Ernest Vasilevsky
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