Mummification of the Pharaohs: Uncovering the Alluring History Behind the Legend

The belief of the ancient Egyptian that mummification of the Pharaohs is the gateway to the other world in eternal life, and the science of anatomy, that science in which the ancient Egyptian advanced, was the true gateway to the progress of  the art of mummification of the Pharaohs, and through it their souls were enabled, and according to that belief eternal life, the ability to return the soul to their bodies in The journey of resurrection and immortality. 

The Fascinating Mummification of the Pharaohs

In the past, and before the science of embalming developed, that is, the pre-dynastic era, the ancient Egyptian relied on mummification of the Pharaohs by natural methods, and he used to bury the bodies in shallow pits in the sand, as the intense heat was sufficient to preserve the bodies from damage and absorption of fluids, and with the beginning of the dynastic era, Belief in the idea of ​​life after death increased, and the importance of the body for the soul to recognize it.

The prevailing belief became that the matter does not stop at embalming the body and preserving it from putrefaction, but rather it must reach to preserve the shape and features of the dead, so that the soul can know the body that pertains to it, so the scholars investigated In that science, until they reached its highest levels, and perhaps this appears clearly in the steadfastness of mummies dating back to four thousand years BC, without decomposition or putrefaction.

Preserving bodies from putrefaction and decomposition was considered one of the most important secrets of the ancient Egyptians, which they preserved desperately. 

That idea that took root in the minds of the ancient Egyptian, as soon as he learned that he was a stranger, he said angrily, “A stranger in the embalming room…very beautiful.”

Many names were given to this flag, including the word “wati”, which is a Pharaonic word meaning shrouding, and it was also called the word “mummy”, which is a Persian word meaning black, as the color of the corpse usually changes after the preservation process to that color.

It is the most famous name for that flag, and it is an Arabic word derived from the word “hanout,” which refers to materials used by the embalmer to preserve the body.

The Secrets Revealed: Modern Scientific Discoveries about Ancient Mummies and Their Insights into Egyptian Civilization

This science remained a secret of the Pharaohs, so that we did not know about it except what was mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus, as he wrote down some mummification of the Pharaohs methods during his visit to Egypt in the fifth century BC, but with recent discoveries our information about that science increased, especially when the American mission discovered Affiliated to the American University of Memphis, Cemetery No. 63 in the Valley of the Kings, which contained 8 coffins, inside them were remnants of embalming tools and materials, which were used to preserve the mummy of King Tutankhamun, which opened a great door to reveal his hidden secrets.

The Significance of Mummification of the pharaohs in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptian embalmer used different methods in the mummification of the Pharaohs process, so there was a method he used with kings and senior statesmen, but it was very expensive, and in it the mummification of the Pharaohs process begins inside the tent of the god or the place of purification,

which was called in the hieroglyphic language “br-Abd”, where the corpse is placed  On the stone embalming table, the embalmer begins by breaking the nose bone using a chisel and a hammer, then takes a hook and removes the brain from the hole he made, and fills the skull with a thick layer of bitumen and flax saturated with gum or resin extracted from plants, in order to protect it from the microorganisms that breed inside the corpses.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Mummifying a Pharaoh: Exploring the Intricate Procedures

Studies conducted on the mummies of some kings, including Thutmose I, II and III, confirmed that their heads contain the brain, which confirms that the ancient Egyptian did not follow a typical technique in embalming bodies, and with successive studies of the mummies of the pharaohs over the course of families, it was proven that the embalmer did not adhere to one method.

In embalming, it is even difficult to find two mummies that are similar, either in the method of embalming or in the materials used.

As for the second step, the embalmer performs it to get rid of all the soft materials that cause bacterial putrefaction, so he cuts the left side of the lower abdomen, from which he removes all the internal organs, washes them well, then immerses them in natron salt, and treats them with hot resin, then they are placed in four canopic pots on top of each other.

The form of the children of the god Horus, the liver is placed in the bowl of “Emesti” in the form of a human being, the lungs are placed in the bowl of “Wahabi”, and the stomach is placed in the bowl of “Dua – Mut – F”, which is in the form of the head of the “jackal” wolf, while the intestines are placed in a bowl ”  Ugly – Snow – F” with the head of a hawk.

The embalmer leaves nothing but the heart and kidneys in the body, then washes it inside and out with a solution consisting of 15 substances, including date wine, myrrh, henna, cedarwood oil, and onions, then fills the chest cavities with balls of linen saturated with resin, perfumes and natron solution,

which are  Substances that prevent bacterial decomposition, after that the corpse is buried inside natron salt for a period of up to 40 days, until the tissues are completely dry of all fluids and fats.

The body is transferred again to “Bar-Abd”, so that the priests can purify it with the waters of the Nile.

This step is considered the most important step in the embalming stages, to determine the time required to prepare the body, in addition to the belief of the ancient Egyptians in the power of the Nile to resurrect man again, and the purification process is completed by adding Cedar oil, precious oils and perfumes, mummy massage with incense and cinnamon.

In the end, liquid resin is poured on the mummy, and its task is to close the pores, as it is an insulator for moisture and minute insects.

After that, the embalmer closes the eyes, ears, and nose with wax, and then wraps the entire mummification of the pharaohs with tens of meters of linen saturated with glue, which carries in its folds amulets and a scroll of funerary papyrus, and decorates it with ornaments and throws On it are flowers,

the last ritual remains before him to complete the funeral ceremonies, so he recites prayers and in the meantime opens the mouth of the mummy, so that her senses can return again in the underworld, and finally puts her in the coffin that bears a mask that resembles the features of the deceased, and is decorated with phrases from the Book of the Dead, then he is buried. Inside his tomb, which contains all the items he needs on his journey to the other world.

As for the common people and the middle class, there were simpler and less extravagant steps in embalming their dead, and these rituals continued until the advent of Christianity, but they declined significantly in the Roman and Hellenistic eras,

so that the quality of preservation was less than previous eras, although a little was added to it, as it was added on  The mummy is a roll of linen crowned with a golden piece in the middle, in addition to preserving the limbs or the entire body with a layer of gold. In the Byzantine era, the use and development of embalming stopped.

The presence of mummified mummies was not limited to Pharaonic Egypt only, but many of them were found in other countries and civilizations. In South America, a mummified boy’s head was found in the Chilean desert.

He belonged to the “Chenkoro” group, that group that had no civilizational features other than mummification of the Pharaohs.

And they had their own way of embalming, so they used to start by extracting the viscera, then drying the body with hot ashes and stuffing it with herbs, then they would wrap the body with the skins of pelican birds, or sea lions, then a clay mask would be placed on its face, and among the materials used in the embalming process was the poisonous arsenic, which led to abortion of fetuses, so most of the mummies in the region are children.

The Legacy Lives On – Exploring Egypt’s Enduring Obsession with Preserving their Kings Forever

In Europe and North America, mummies were offered as offerings, and they were found preserved naturally because of the icy nature, as a man was found in the Alps five centuries ago, known as the IceMan, and dates back to the Iron Age, while the acidic nature in western  Europe was able to preserve the mummies naturally, but the color of the corpse changes to a dark brown color, and most of those mummies were found with their heads smashed or suffocated, the most famous of which is a mummy in the village of Tollund, Denmark, dating back two thousand years ago.

Mummies were also found in the state of Yemen, dating back to 1200 BC. They were wrapped in linen inside mummified leather bags in an elaborate manner, despite their presence in rugged desert areas, and it seems that they were performed for certain religious rituals, and because of the high quality of mummification of the Pharaohs, Yemen ranked third.  At the world level in mummification of the Pharaohs after Egypt and Chile.

Unveiling the Secrets of Pharaoh Mummification

What is mummification of the pharaohs?

Mummification is the process of preserving a body after death to prevent decay. In ancient Egypt, this involved removing internal organs, treating the body with chemicals, and wrapping it in linen.

Why did the Egyptians mummify their pharaohs?

Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the spirit would need the body. Mummification of the pharaohs ensured the pharaoh’s body stayed intact, allowing their ka (spirit) to recognize it and live on.

How long did the mummification of the pharaohs process take?

The entire process took about 70 days. This included 40 days for drying the body and 30 days for wrapping and rituals.

What materials were used in mummification of the pharaohs?

Key materials included natron (a type of salt), resins, oils, and linen. Natron was used to dehydrate the body, while resins and oils helped preserve and protect it.

How were the internal organs handled during mummification of the pharaohs?

Organs were removed and placed in canopic jars or treated and returned to the body. The heart was often left in place, as it was believed to be the center of intelligence and emotion.

What was the significance of canopic jars?

Canopic jars held the mummified organs and were essential for the afterlife. They were often decorated with the heads of the four sons of Horus, each protecting a specific organ.

Were all Egyptians mummified?

No, mummification of the pharaohs was reserved for the elite, especially pharaohs. Common people often received simpler burials due to cost and complexity.

How did mummification of the pharaohs techniques evolve over time?

Techniques improved with experience. Early mummification of the pharaohs were poorly preserved, but over centuries, Egyptians perfected the art, leading to better-preserved remains.

What role did religion play in mummification of the pharaohs?

Religion was central. Mummification of the pharaohs rituals and practices were deeply tied to religious beliefs about the afterlife and maintaining the deceased’s identity.

Are there any famous mummies?

Yes, the most famous is likely Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered mostly intact in 1922. His mummy and treasures provided valuable insights into Egyptian burial practices.

How do modern archaeologists study mummies?

Today, non-invasive techniques like CT scans and X-rays are used to study mummies. These allow researchers to learn about health, diet, and life without damaging the remains.

Can mummies help us learn about ancient Egyptian civilization?

Absolutely. Mummies provide insights into health, disease, and lifestyles of ancient Egyptians. They also reflect cultural, religious, and technological advancements of the time.