What is the first thing that comes to mind when you mention Ancient Egypt? For most people, these are pyramids, pharaohs, hieroglyphs and mummies resting in their ancient sarcophagi.
For centuries, Egyptian mummies have kept historical secrets, many of which cannot be solved even by the most modern science. Only recently have scientists been able to restore the complete DNA chain of an ancient Egyptian using the same mummies.
Mummies are surrounded by countless eerie myths and fantastic legends, but what do we really know about their history?
The practice of embalming the dead did not begin in Egypt
According to some historical research, the ancient South American Chinchorro culture was the first village culture to embalm its dead.
The oldest mummy to date belongs to the Chinchorro culture, it is about nine thousand years old. For the Egyptians, the practice and original technique of mummification appeared only two millennia later.
Promotional video:
The embalming and wrapping process took 70 days
In ancient Egypt, the embalming ritual was performed by a special priest who recited special prayers during the entire long process.
Mummification began with the removal of internal organs. The organs were preserved and embalmed to be placed next to the body in special vessels or folded back into place before wrapping.
With the help of a special salt, all moisture was removed from the body, and the sunken areas were filled with cloth to preserve the appearance of the deceased.
After embalming, a complex wrapping of the body with cloth began. Resin was applied between layers of fabric to preserve the body and prevent moisture penetration.
The heart has always remained in place
Despite the fact that all organs were removed from the body, the Egyptians did not touch the heart, because they believed that this particular organ is the repository of the spirit and intellect of a person.
Egyptians mummified animals
Archaeologists have found many mummified animals next to the usual mummies of people. According to scientists, the Egyptians embalmed about 70 million animals between the 8th century BC. e. and IV century A. D. e.
Not only cats were mummified, but also birds, baboons, frogs and even cows! According to historians, not only pets were embalmed, but also those creatures that were supposed to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
Mummies only weigh a couple of kilograms
After a typical mummy is freed from the layers of resin-impregnated fabric, the withered body weighs no more than 2-3 kilograms.
The mummy's mouth was left open
According to the British Museum, there was a separate ritual known as the "mouth opening ceremony." It was performed using a special instrument. The Egyptians opened their mouths to the dead so that they could eat, drink, breathe and talk in the afterlife.
Mummification was a lucrative business
Highly skilled Egyptian embalmers were paid very well for their work and skills. According to historical documents, there were embalmers guilds that guarded the secrets of their craft.
The remains of mummies were used in medieval medicine
An article published in the Smithsonian magazine revealed an eerie fact: in a popular medieval medicine that promised cure for all diseases, there was one very strange component - the flesh of ancient Egyptian mummies.
Tomb robbers brought mummies from Egypt and sold them to everyone, from royal family members to ordinary citizens who could pay a lot of money for a rare "medicine".
"Unfolding" mummies was popular entertainment in Victorian England
In the 19th century, a wave of Egyptomania swept over England. Almost all the artifacts, writings and sarcophagi found in the excavations were brought here.
Wealthy aristocrats could even afford to buy a couple of mummies. It was during this period that parties became popular, at which the "solemn" removal of the ancient canvas from the body of the mummy took place.
Hope Chikanchi