Mummification In Egypt

Mummification was a very important part in Egyptian religious beliefs. They believed in life after death. The Egyptians believed that when they died, they would make a journey to another world where they would lead a new life. In their new life they would need all the things they had used when they were alive, so when they died their families would put those things in their graves. Egyptians paid vast amounts of money to have their bodies properly preserved. Egyptians who were poor were buried in the sand whilst the rich ones were buried in a tomb. Mummification is the preservation of the body of a person or animal after death. This method of artificial preservation was developed by the Egyptians, and was a very lengthy process which lasted

This is when the body is taken to a tent called the ‘ibu’ or the ‘place of purification.’ While the body is there the embalmers wash the body with palm wine. The ancient Egyptians used palm wine to clean body cavities and any organs removed during embalming. The alcohol content of the wine was considerably high, making it a good substance to prevent bacterial growth. Also during embalming the embalmers rinsed the body with water from the Nile. Once the body is disinfected, the embalmers make a cut on the left side and remove all of the organs except the heart. The heart is not taken because it will be needed in the after life since it is the center of intelligence. All internal organs are removed because they are the first to decompose. The liver, lungs, stomach and intestines are washed and packed in natron which will dry them out. Natron is a natural salt, composed of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate with traces of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate. The dehydrated internal organs are wrapped in linen and returned to the body or were placed in canopic jars. The body is stuffed with dry materials such as sawdust, leaves and linen so that it looks lifelike. A long hook is used to smash the brain and pull it out through the nose. All of the fluids, and rags from the embalming process will be saved and buried along with the body. After forty days the body is washed again with water from the Nile. Then it is covered with oils to help the skin stay