Mummification in Ancient Egypt

The Process of Mummification

• Insert a hook through a hole near the nose and pull out a part of the brain.
• Make a cut on the left side of the body near the stomach.
• Remove all internal organs.
• Let the internal organs dry.
• Place the lungs, intestines, stomach, and liver inside canopic jars.
• Place the heart back inside the body.

The Process of Mummification

• Rinse inside the body with wine and spices.
• Cover the corpse with salt for 70 days.
• After 40 days, wrap the body with linen or sand.
• After the 70 days, wrap the body from head to toe in bandages.
• Place in a sarcophagus (if it were a Pharaoh, they'd be placed in a special chamber with lots of treasure!)

What are the Reasons for Mummification?
Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death, the individual passes into the afterlife. In order for the deceased to live in the afterlife however, their body has to be preserved and remain intact. Mummification makes this possible.

What did Ancient Egyptians believe about Life after Death?
All individuals would enter the underworld, which was a terrifying dimension which every individual dreaded.

What are the Religious Aspects of Mummification?
They believed that the body was a house for the soul. Even after death, the Egyptians believed that the spirit could only live on if the body was preserved forever.

Why were Pyramids Built?
The Ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the Pharaohs and their Queens. The Pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and sizes from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom.