Journal (10/20) - Mummification

More than 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians believed in an afterlife. There was one condition that was required to get that was required to get to the afterlife, Egyptians believed that dead body has to be preserved in good condition, because next world would be the same. In order to prevent decomposition, they came up the mummification. Basically, mummification is a process that is designed to preserve the body in good condition for long period of time also it was part of their traditional funeral. Another reason for developing the science of mummification was to protect the corpse in better condition. At the first Egyptians were buried in “Mastabas” tombs which were made of bricks or pit graves. It was very a creative style. As time passed by it became more lavish. Egyptians decided to make a tomb that would more safe. Around 1500 B.C. they came up with rock tombs. And then about 2500 B.C. they began to study mummification because air circulating caused bacteria. It caused bacteria because there was oxygen, microorganisms cannot live without air. In early 2^nd dynasty’s scientists believed in true mummification. The true mummification is the process that has been progressed during the experiment or when mummies contain the chemical and other agent. One of the best examples of true mummy is what Egyptologist J.E. Quibell has found during he was working at Saqqara grave yard. He found a mummy that appears to be used natron or other agents to preserve the body skin. This process was very impressive to anyone and also it still is helpful today. Another famous ecologist was W. M. Flinders Petrie. He found technique which is cover the body with fine linen and then coating with plaster. The mummification process was a creative invention. Still today, scientists are trying to figure out truth of mummification. Scientists and historian believe that there is more secret that have not been revealed. Also, many historians began to be interested in mummification, because with modern technology historians can find out an almost perfect image of mummy’s appearance of one's mummy. Historians are able to figure out the ancient people’s lifestyle by observing mummies. There were three types of mummification processes. The only difference among them was how much the materials cost. The first one was usually used for the royalty family. Second type is little bit different. First of all, cryptomeria oil was poured through anus then left it for 70 days. After the oils spilled away, the vital organs would melt in one day. Flesh will also melt by sodas, and then there will be only bones and skins later. The cheapest way of mummifying was removing vital organs by using a diarrhea medicine. Then it went to soda step like the others. Third one was most common process for Egyptians. Mummification was so unbelievable result that it became a big issue, because the mummification was great foundation that will affect today’s science. Also, scientists and historians were surprised at the technology of the Egyptians.