Egyptian Mummies
Preview
Ancient Egypt was a large society mostly based on beliefs.They were very well known for their excellent mummies. Mummies form a large part of the Ancient Egyptians' beliefs. A mummy is a preserved human or animal. Mummies are made to last an eternity. They are made to provide safe passage into the afterlife. Mummies were created in 2500 B.C.E. and animal mummies were created in 1500 B.C.E.. Mummies also effect the people of Egypt's way of l ife because it formed a belief of an afterlife. Mummies are very amazing in all aspects.
Mummies and the afterlife
Egyptians took their mummies very seriously. In fact, they considerd making one a sacred ritual. The process is very long and precise. This process was performed by priests.It took about 70 days. Here are a few steps on how to make a mummy:
1. Remove the organs. Workers made a slit in the belly and removed the lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines. They left the heart inside the body because the ancient Egyptians believed it controlled thoughts and feelings.
2. Drain the brain. They pushed a long bronze hook up the nostrils of the dead, scrambled up the brain, and scooped out the pieces. Then they let the rest of the brain drain out through the nostrils.
3. Dry the body. After washing out the body, workers filled it with a type of salt called natron. They then covered the body with the natron and left it to dry for 40 days.
4. Do a makeover. Workers rubbed scented oils all over the body to soften the skin. Then they packed the inside of the body with linen and sawdust to give it shape.
5. Wrap it up. Last, workers wrapped the body in layers of linen bandages and placed it in a coffin called a sarcophagus.
Don't forget, no two mummies are identical.
1. Remove the organs. Workers made a slit in the belly and removed the lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines. They left the heart inside the body because the ancient Egyptians believed it controlled thoughts and feelings.
2. Drain the brain. They pushed a long bronze hook up the nostrils of the dead, scrambled up the brain, and scooped out the pieces. Then they let the rest of the brain drain out through the nostrils.
3. Dry the body. After washing out the body, workers filled it with a type of salt called natron. They then covered the body with the natron and left it to dry for 40 days.
4. Do a makeover. Workers rubbed scented oils all over the body to soften the skin. Then they packed the inside of the body with linen and sawdust to give it shape.
5. Wrap it up. Last, workers wrapped the body in layers of linen bandages and placed it in a coffin called a sarcophagus.
Don't forget, no two mummies are identical.
Animal Mummies
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/5/1/18513102/6539155.gif)
This mummified baboon was likely kept as a pet.
Most people belive that ancient egyptians made only animal mummies. That is not true, the egyptians made animal mummies too. In fact, they made millions of them. The egyptians started making animal mummies in 1500 B.C.E.. Animal mummies played a large role in the afterlife and ancient egypts beliefs. They were often used in the afterlife as food. They were stored in containers the size and shape of whatever the animal was.
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Conclusion
Mummies had a large part in egyptian beliefs. They were a large part of how they lived as well. Overall, Mummies had a large important role in the Egyptian way of life and society.
Citations
Walters, Jennifer Marino. "I Want My Mummy!." Scholastic News 5/6 (Vol. 78, No. 14). 01 Feb 2010: 4+. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 17 Mar 2013.
unknown author. "What are Mummies?". www.si.umich.edu. Febuary4, 1997. March 13, 2013.
unknown author. 'Mummies of Ancient Egypt". www.kingtutone.com. March 13, 2013.
unknown author. "What are Mummies?". www.si.umich.edu. Febuary4, 1997. March 13, 2013.
unknown author. 'Mummies of Ancient Egypt". www.kingtutone.com. March 13, 2013.