About Mummy In Egypt: Everything You Probably Do Not Know

Magnificent temples, towering pyramids, and, of course, mummies are probably what most people imagine when they think of ancient Egypt. Mummification is one of the most amazing processes in human history, and it was developed by the ancient Egyptians because of the ancient Egyptians’ fascination with death and the afterlife. In addition to being historical artifacts, mummies are essential components of Egypt's deep religious beliefs.

Mummies have been a topic of interest to many for centuries, but there’s more to them than what movies or books show. In this article, we'll explore surprising facts about mummies in ancient Egypt and other fascinating information you probably do not know.

Facts about Mummy in Egypt

Egyptian mummies are one of the most fascinating aspects of ancient history, revealing secrets about pharaohs, burial rituals, and preservation techniques. From the intricate mummification process to famous discoveries like King Tutankhamun's tomb, these ancient remains offer a glimpse into Egypt’s rich past.

Mummies were not invented by the Egyptians

Due to their 2400-year history, the Egyptians are often associated with mummification, which results in a large number of mummies. Although they wrote extensively, they did not write much about mummification—there is only one papyrus that mentions mummies.

Mummification was carried out by many other cultures long before the Egyptians did. There are fewer of those around, though, because they did not do it quite as successfully.

The first mummies are believed to have originated in South America.

Mummies are probably what most people imagine when they think of ancient Egypt

Nobody knows how the idea came about

It is believed that the Egyptians began mummifying bodies because burying them in the sand caused the surrounding animals to destroy them.

The sand and scorching, dry weather helped mummify the bodies naturally unless they were scavenged by animals. To keep the animals away, someone decided to do it themselves and store the bodies in sarcophaguses, frequently in pyramids.

Mummification can happen naturally in the correct conditions

Some cultures preserved bodies by mummifying them naturally in a dry atmosphere.

At other times, in extremely frigid conditions, it happened accidentally. (Like the iceman, Ötzi.)

The mummification process in Egypt takes 70 days 

It took the Egyptians about 70 days to mummify their bodies. One papyrus that explains the procedure has led us to this conclusion.

The body can dry out during the first few weeks, preparing it for the remainder of the process.

The body would next be propped up on stilts so that the organs could be removed, placed in canopic jars, and finally covered with bandages.

It was common for people to wrap themselves in their own bedding or other possessions. This is demonstrated by the fact that the cloth used to wrap the mummy is nearly always torn, with very few clean lines at the beginning or end.

The mummification process in Egypt takes 70 days 

They were buried with slaves

Well, not real slaves. Little statues that represent slaves. People were buried with more of these the wealthier they were.

This was so they would have someone to care for them when they entered the afterlife.

One of the most famous mummies discovered is the Pharaoh Tutankhamun

One of the most renowned discoveries of mummies in Egypt is that of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, a pharaoh whose tomb was found in 1922. He governed from the age of nine and is said to have passed away at the age of 18, earning him known as the boy king.

King Tut's tomb was discovered completely intact, complete with all the amazing goods and offerings he was interred with, whereas the majority of tombs had been robbed and destroyed before archaeologists discovered them. We now know a great deal more about the mummification process and the significance of various elements of Ancient Egyptian burial processes thanks to this discovery.

One of the most famous mummies discovered is the Pharaoh Tutankhamun

Who was Mummified

The Egyptian pharaohs were typically mummified and interred in ornate tombs after passing away. The same treatment was frequently given to members of the nobility and authorities, as well as infrequently to other citizens. However, the process was costly and out of many people's price range.

Some animals were also mummified for religious reasons. At Sakkara, there was a cemetery dedicated to the revered bulls of the ancient dynasties. Particularly in the later dynasties, baboons, cats, birds, and crocodiles—all of which had significant religious significance—were sometimes mummified.

Egyptian Museum – A location not to be missed

Yes, the Cairo Museum of Antiquities is commonly known as the Egyptian Museum or The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. It is among the most famous museums in the world, located in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt.

In 1835, the Egyptian government, frantic to prevent rampant looting and plundering of the nation's numerous archaeological sites, commissioned the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which now houses numerous items with hieroglyphic inscriptions. It was believed that the museum would successfully safeguard valuable artifacts that serve as reminders of Egypt's ancient history.

120,000 Egyptian antiquities are currently housed in the Egyptian Museum, but not all of them are on exhibit. To avoid rapid deterioration, many artifacts must be preserved under extremely exact environmental conditions. However, there are enough exhibits to make a visit to the museum worthwhile for at least one or two full days.

The mummy of the Cairo Museum of Antiquities includes the boy king, Tutankhamun (Tutankhamun). The face mask, which weighs 11 kg (24.5 pounds) and was made of solid gold, is said to depict Tutankhamun's face in this life. The mask, which had been used to cover Tutankhamun's head, was discovered in its original location. A variety of jewels, vases, pots, a sizable, exquisitely decorated chest, and several weapons and instruments that historians surmise he may have used before his death are among the other relics found in his tomb.

Cairo Museum of Antiquities is among the most famous museums in the world

Royal Mummy Room

Visitors are always impressed with the museum's Royal Mummy Room. The Royal Mummy Room was shut down by the Egyptian president of the time in 1981, but it was reopened in 1985 with fewer mummies on exhibit. The current chamber only has 11 mummies, including the most recently found mummy, that of Hatshepsut, compared to the old room's 27 mummies on exhibit.

Tips for visiting the Museum

It is best to arrive early in the day if you want to see the Egyptian Museum while on vacation in Cairo. This is especially true if you are traveling to Egypt during the busiest time of year, which runs from December to February. The museum can get extremely crowded because it is one of Cairo's most visited and busy tourist destinations. Additionally, you should allow ample time for exploration due to its vastness and the quantity of artifacts on exhibit.

Daily hours of opening are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

120,000 Egyptian antiquities are currently housed in the Egyptian Museum

Conclusion

It’s not only fascinating that we can discover so much about mummies in ancient Egypt using the incredible artifacts they left behind, but as science advances, we will undoubtedly learn even more about the identities of these people, their mummification process, and the significance of every element of their burial.

The mummification procedure and the amazing mummy finds, particularly at sites like the Cairo Museum of Antiquities, demonstrate the Egyptians' commitment to leaving their history intact for all time. 

If you're captivated by the mysteries of mummy Egypt and want to explore this awe-inspiring history up close, now is the perfect time to plan your visit. Applying for an Egypt eVisa through our website is simple, fast, and hassle-free. Skip the lengthy embassy processes and enjoy the convenience of a digital application. Start your journey today and uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt.