Question

Describe briefly the process of mummification and why it was used in ancient Egypt

Answer 1

Egyptians believed the life did not end when a person died but that it continued. They believed the pharaoh would become god or goddess after his death that is why they were buried with their servants and their treasures for the afterlife. Only rich people and pharaohs could be mummified in Egypt as their religion dictated. The process followed several steps and was done by a priest with the mask of the god Anubis. The first step was to remove the internal organs of the body, the brain and then the organs of the lower part of the body. Secondly, rinse inside the body with wine and spices and place the organs in canopic jars (liver, lungs, intestine and stomach which previously have been dried) except for the heart which was to be weigh in afterlife by the god Anubis to decide if the person was good or bad. The heart was left in the body. Thirdly, the body was coverd with natron (salt) for 70 days. Finally, the body was wrap with bandages and placed in a sarcophagus.