Egyptian Mummies

The practice of mummifying the dead began in ancient Egypt c. 3500 BC; it may be surmised that the the practice could have been suggested by how well corpses were preserved naturally in the arid sands of the country prior to this date.

In the Early Dynastic Period in Egypt (c. 3150 - c. 2613 BC), the mastaba tomb replaced the simple grave, and cemeteries became common. The tomb was now considered a place of transformation in which the soul would leave the body to go on to the afterlife, but the body had to remain intact in order for the soul to continue its journey. Death was not the end of life to the Egyptians, but simply a transition from one state to another. Therefore the body had to be prepared and preserved in order to be recognizable to the soul upon its awakening.

By the time of the Old Kingdom of Egypt (c. 2613-2181 BC), mummification had become standard practice in handling the dead. Eternal life was only possible, though, if the body remained intact. A person's name and identity, represented their immortal soul, and this identity was linked to the physical form. Three levels of mummification service were offered and families paid what they could afford for the service. Most included embalmers removing the organs from the abdomen through a long incision cut into the left side. Removing the brain, through the dead person's nose. The only organ they left in place, in most eras, was the heart; it was thought to be the seat of the person's identity and character. Blood was drained and organs removed to prevent decay, the body was washed, and the linen wrapping applied. This process was followed with animals as well as humans.