Unveiling The Mysteries of Egypt's Mummies Museum

Egypt is a land rich in ancient history and enchanting legends. One of the most fascinating aspects of this ancient civilization is the art of mummification, a practice that has fascinated humans for millennia. For those wanting to delve deeper into this captivating world, a visit to Egypt's Mummy Museum is a must.

Here, the secrets of Egyptian mummification are brought to life through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Witness the meticulous steps taken by the ancient Egyptians to preserve their deceased loved ones forever.

About Mummies In Ancient Egypt

What is a mummy in ancient Egypt?

Mummification is the term for the process the ancient Egyptians used to embalm or dispose of their bodies. The Egyptians used unique procedures to completely eliminate all moisture from the body, leaving only a dry form that was difficult to break down. In their religion, it is crucial to maintain bodies in a way that makes them look as alive as possible. They were so successful that today we can look at the mummy of an Egyptian and know what he or she looked like in life 3,000 years ago.

Ancient mummy in Egyptian village tourist attraction 

For most of early Egyptian history, mummification was a common practice. Prehistoric mummies were most likely unintentional creations. Fortuitously, several remains buried in shallow holes excavated in the sand were preserved by the dry air and sand of Egypt, a country with virtually no measurable rainfall.

During the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties, approximately 2600 BC, the Egyptians most likely started purposefully mummifying their deceased. Up until the time of the Romans, which ruled from 30 BC to 364 AD, this custom persisted and prospered for over 2,000 years. The cost of embalming determined the quality of the procedure at any particular time. The best-preserved and prepared mummies are those of Tutankhamen and other well-known pharaohs from the 18th to 20th Dynasties of the New Kingdom (c. 1570–1075 BC).

What mummies are in the Cairo Museum?

Following their passing, Egyptian pharaohs were frequently mummified and laid to rest in opulent tombs. Similar rites were often extended to nobles, officials, and at times, ordinary individuals, although the costs involved were often beyond the reach of many.

In reverence to religious beliefs, certain animals were also mummified. Sacred bulls from the earliest dynasties have their own dedicated cemetery in Sakkara. Baboons, cats, birds, and crocodiles, all of significant religious importance, were occasionally mummified, particularly during later dynasties.

The golden tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh is in the hotel museum  

Unveiling Ancient Practices: The Mummification Process

The duration and rituals of Egypt mummification

The mummification process is believed to have taken around 70 days, accompanied by many rituals. The organs of the deceased were carefully removed through a small incision (10 cm) in the left side of the body and preserved in Canopic jars. The body was then dried in sodium nitrate, or nitrate salt brought from Wadi El Natron, for about 40 days, and finally wrapped in bandages of linen. Magical amulets were placed within the wrappings on various parts of the body to protect the deceased. The family then received the body and placed it in a coffin for burial.

According to Egyptian belief, the soul or spirit resides in the mummified body. The spirit might not return if the body was destroyed. The concept of "spirit" was intricate and involved the three spirits of akh, ba, and ka. The offerings and items required to be placed in the tomb because the ka, a "double" of the individual, would stay there. The "soul" or ba might fly out of the tomb and back in. The entity that needed to make the journey through the Underworld to reach the Final Judgment and the portal to the Afterlife was the akh, which is possibly best translated as "spirit". The Egyptians considered all three to be necessary.

The mummy of an ancient Egyptian woman in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo 

The Mummification Process

The first step in the process was the removal of all internal parts that might decay rapidly. To extract the brain, tiny pieces of brain tissue were delicately pulled out of the nose using specially designed hooked devices. There was a risk of facial disfigurement during this delicate procedure. Next, through a cut commonly made on the left side of the abdomen, the embalmers removed the organs from the abdomen and chest. Since the heart is thought to be the source of all intelligence and existence, they only left it in situ. Canopic jars, as they are now called, were used to store the other organs, which included the stomach, liver, lungs, and intestines. These were buried with the mummy. In later mummies, the organs were treated, wrapped, and replaced within the body. 

Next, the embalmers dried out the body completely. They achieved this by putting more natron packets inside the body and covering the body with natron, a salt kind with excellent drying qualities. Sunken portions of the body were filled in with linen and other materials, and fake eyes were placed on the mummy to give it an even more realistic appearance.

Next, the wrapping begins. Each mummy required hundreds of meters of linen. Priests carefully wrap long strips of cloth around the body, sometimes wrapping each finger and toe separately before wrapping the entire hand or foot. To protect the dead from accidents, amulets were placed between wrappings, and prayers and magical inscriptions were written on several strips of linen. Usually, priests place a mask over the person's face between the layers of bandages on the head. Finally, the priests wrapped the last cloth or shroud in place and secured it with strips of linen.

As part of the funeral, priests performed special religious rites at the tomb's entrance. "Opening of the Mouth," the centerpiece of the event, was the most significant aspect. Using a specialized tool, a priest stroked different areas of the mummies to "open" those body parts to the senses that are needed in the hereafter and enjoyed in this life. The burial chamber's entrance was blocked when the mummy was placed in his coffin or coffin.

The intricate ways in which the Egyptians interred their dead could indicate that they were obsessed with death. On the contrary, because of their intense love of life, they started making preparations for their demise early on. They could think of no life better than the present, and they wanted to be sure it would continue after death.

The Funerary furniture of Sennedjem at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Explore more: Feasting Like Pharaohs: A Delectable Journey Into Ancient Egyptian Food and Drink

List Of Mummies In The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to an impressive collection of mummies, each holding a unique story from ancient Egypt. While the specific list may vary due to exhibit rotations and new discoveries, here are some notable mummies that have been historically featured in the museum's collection:

• King Tutankhamun (Tutankhamen): Perhaps the most famous of all pharaohs, King Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by Howard Carter. His mummy, adorned with stunning burial treasures, including the iconic golden death mask, is a centerpiece of the museum.
• Queen Hatshepsut: One of the most successful female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut's mummy provides insight into her reign during the New Kingdom. Her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is a marvel of ancient architecture.
• Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great): Known for his ambitious building projects and military conquests, Ramesses II's mummy is a significant archaeological find. His reign marked a prosperous era in ancient Egypt.

As you leave the Mummies Museum, you'll carry with you not only memories of an extraordinary journey but also a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and spiritual depth of ancient Egypt. The legacy of mummification endures as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring quest for immortality.

Plan your visit today and embark on a captivating adventure through the sands of time at Egypt's Mummies Museum. If you're planning your trip from abroad, don't forget to contact Egypt Immigration Services to apply for a visa and ensure a seamless experience exploring this fascinating land of wonders.