Popular media often perpetuates myths and misconceptions about Egyptian mummification. However, the ancient practice was far more complex and culturally significant than portrayed. It wasn’t just about preserving the body but ensuring a successful transition to the afterlife, a ritual embraced by Egyptians from all social classes.
Understanding mummification requires examining cultural, religious, anatomical, and practical aspects. Often, focus is on sensational aspects rather than the reality. The Hollywood portrayal of mummified bodies in lavish tombs with treasures and traps is exaggerated.
The truth about the Origin of Mummification
In ancient Egypt, while some funerary sites like King Tutankhamun’s tomb displayed lavish treatment with wealth, most embalmings were modest rituals. Egyptologists suggest that Egyptians had enough medical knowledge by the first dynasty to preserve bodies after death, with evidence of early experiments in anatomy and herbal medicine. While some argue mummification’s origins, citing unprepared skeletons in tombs, most believe it evolved over time due to its complexity. Religious texts offer little insight into its beginnings, as Egyptian religion developed gradually over centuries.
7 Astonishing Ancient Mummification Methods
The Palermo Catacombs’ Mummies – Italy
One of Sicily’s most peculiar historical sites and tourist draws is located in Italy. Thousands of meticulously preserved mummies, dating back to the 1600s, were unearthed beneath a monastery. As the traditional burial grounds reached capacity, the monastery began offering mummification services for a premium, catering to those who could afford it. The locals, deeply connected to their departed, believed that mummification allowed the deceased to remain present in prayers and rituals. What astounded archaeologists was the preservation of the corpses’ attire, with over 8000 bodies discovered, 1500 of which had been mummified.
The Llullaillaco Child Mummies in Argentina
At the summit of the Argentinian volcano Llullaillaco, a chilling discovery awaited Johan Reinhard and his team in 1999. High in the Andes, they stumbled upon the Llullaillaco burial site, revealing the remarkably preserved remains of two girls and a 6-year-old boy. These mummies, estimated to be over 500 years old, offer profound insights into the ancient rituals of the Inca civilization. One of the girls, tragically struck by lightning, bears witness to the sacrificial practices of the time. While not the first such find in the region, these mummies stand out for their exceptional preservation, shedding new light on the mysteries of Llullaillaco.
Bubasteion, Egypt – an astounding place with 250 mummies
In a recent mummy discovery known as the Bubasteion mummies, researchers unearthed a tomb containing over 250 mummies dating back more than 2500 years. The tomb, which includes individuals of different genders and ages, is believed to be associated with a priest named Wahtye. Unlike previous discoveries, this one yielded informative artifacts like “The Book of Death” alongside remarkably well-preserved corpses housed in intricately crafted clay and wood coffins. Notably, among the mummies are two seated figures with golden faces, identified as guardians of the coffins.
The Animal Cemetery Of Abydos – Egypt
The ancient Egyptians mummified animals for various reasons, with some believing it was to accompany them in the afterlife, while others saw the mummified body as a vessel for the soul. The discovery of a vast animal cemetery in the Sacred City of Abydos, near the temple of Ramses II, was particularly surprising due to the diverse range of animals found. The cemetery contained thousands of ram heads, as well as wild goats, cows, and mongooses. This recent discovery is considered one of the oldest animal cemeteries in the area, dating back almost 4000 years.
The Mummies Of Qilakitsoq in Greenland
The “Greenland Mummies,” discovered in the Uummannaq area of Greenland, represent the best-preserved human remains ever found in North America. Unearthed at the abandoned settlement of Qilakitsoq, these mummies consist of six women and two children, dating back to around 1475 A.D. Unlike chemically-preserved corpses, these mummies were naturally preserved by ice. Researchers speculate that these individuals may have met with an accident or faced extreme weather conditions. The unique preservation method has intrigued archaeologists, leading them to question why the graves contained only women and children, with no men present.
Terrified Mummies in Peru
The discovery of the Terrified Mummies of Peru, claimed to be over 700 years old and found in the coastal region of Lambaywque, remains one of the most haunting mummy findings to date. What astonished researchers and archaeologists was not only the mummies’ ages but also their facial expressions frozen in terror, with their arms defensively covering their faces.
The Lady Of Dai Mummy in China
Among the world’s most impeccably preserved mummies, alongside the Frozen Greenland mummies, is the Lady of Dai mummy, an astonishing find in Mawangdui near Changsha, China. Unearthed within a hillside in south-central China, her exquisitely preserved tomb was stumbled upon in 1972 by workers excavating an air raid shelter.
The tomb, revealing her story of a simple yet highly feminine existence, showcased the Lady of Dai in all her remarkable preservation. Despite her nearly flawless state and being hailed as one of the best-preserved mummies, she is believed to have lived over 2000 years ago and was mummified at around 50 years old.
