Embalming mummies has been essential for thousands of years for mortuary practices in ancient Egypt. Since mummification is an ancient practice, the chemicals used for the preservations changed overtime. As scientists unearth more mummies and study them, new and strange practices are discovered such as these ancient embalming chemicals.
Incense
One of the most common and well-known practices was the use of incense. For example, ancient Egyptians burned frankincense and myrrh, two types of resins, in their tombs to ward off evil spirits. This practice was not just a superstition, however; when burned, the resins released a formaldehyde-like substance that acted as an antiseptic and an embalming agent.
Bitumen
Bitumen, or petroleum asphalt, was often used as an adhesive and to hold the mummy together. It was also used as an antibacterial agent to assist the incense in keeping parasites, bacteria, and other contaminants away.
Honey and Beeswax
Surprisingly enough, honey and beeswax were also important and popular components of embalming mummies. They were applied to the outside of the body and secured with linen bindings; the honey and beeswax created a waterproof barrier to postpone decomposition.
Plants
Herbs and plants also played an important role in embalming. Myrtle, juniper, and cinnamon were all important components of embalming. Herbs were used to help purify the body and cinnamon was also believed to contain antiseptic properties. Additionally, the herbs and plants gave off a pleasant and calming scent in the tomb.
Salt Solutions
Salt solutions, specifically natron, were important in the process of desiccation. This solution was often composed of sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, and could take up to 70 days for the process to be completed.
Conclusion
The practice of mummification has been studied and revised for thousands of years. While the process may have evolved over time, these fascinating components of embalming are interesting reminders of hundreds of years worth of incredible science and technology.
The ancient Egyptians were known for their impressive and lengthy mummification process, but what many people don’t know is that the process entailed a variety of chemicals. Thanks to archaeological evidence, it is discovered that ancient Egyptians used certain chemicals to embalm their mummies. The surprising concoction of chemicals used for the mummification procedure is truly remarkable.
The ancient Egyptians used a variety of natural and artificial chemicals in their mummification process. Some of the naturally occurring ingredients used in embalming included resinous aromatics and plant-based materials like myrrh, cassia, and frankincense. In addition to these, the ancient Egyptians used resins like mastic and bitumen, which is asphalt or a substance related to it. Bitumen was thought to have been used to fix and reshape the deceased’s mouth and nasal cavities.
The artificially produced materials found in embalming included plant-based materials and commercial products. For example, acacia, rosemary, and spikenard were used for purifying the body, and Natron, a combination of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride, was used to dry out the body and remove moisture from the deceased’s organs. Interestingly, the ancient Egyptians also used materials such as beeswax to fortify the skin and beeswax-soaked fabric to strengthen the body during the mummification process.
The ingredients used in ancient Egyptian mummification processes were surprisingly effective and long-lasting, especially when the right quantities and combination of chemicals were used. The use of natural and artificial elements reflect the ingeniousness and complexity of the ancient Egyptians’ embalming process. This process demonstrates how the ancient Egyptians were able to develop efficient strategies and techniques over several centuries.
In conclusion, the combination of chemicals and materials used to embalm mummies by the ancient Egyptians still surprises many people. It is truly incredible that thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians were able to put together a successful mummification process through the use of natural and artificial components. It is remarkable that their process has stood the test of time and is still being used today.
