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The Egyptians developed various methods of drying out the body to prevent it from decomposing. Some methods were simpler than others but even so, it was only the upper stratum of society that was able to mummify their dead. First, an incision was made in the left side of the abdomen and the intestines removed. The lungs, liver, stomach and intestines were handled separately and put in so-called...
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The Egyptians developed various methods of drying out the body to prevent it from decomposing. Some methods were simpler than others but even so, it was only the upper stratum of society that was able to mummify their dead. First, an incision was made in the left side of the abdomen and the intestines removed. The lungs, liver, stomach and intestines were handled separately and put in so-called canopic jars. The heart was left in the body so as to be weighed before Osiris. The brain was usually removed through the nose and thrown away, as it was not considered to be of any significance. The body was then embedded in natron, a mineral salt, until the tissues had dried out whereupon it was anointed in scented oils and wrapped in linen. Several hundred metres of linen were sometimes used for a single mummy. Between the layers of linen were placed amulets, believed to both protect and guide the deceased to an eternal afterlife.
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