Open Access
American Research Journal of History and Culture
ISSN (Online): 2379-2914
DOI: 10.46568/arjhc
The Meaning and Practice of Mummification in Ancient Egypt
Abstract
A number of mummified bodies have been found and studied to ascertain the methods and the types of chemicals used
for preserving the dead. There seemed to be no specific method of mummification in ancient Egypt because the practice
was different from one Egyptian period and region unto the other. There is a need to elucidate the general practice
of mumification. The knowledge of the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification may help in the modern practice
of embalmment. This research is first, an explanation of the concept of mummification as it was practiced in ancient
Egypt; second, the researcher targets the primary reasons behind the Egyptians practice of mummification. The primary
reason for this research is to inquire about the motives or intentions behind the Egyptian varied step-by-step rituals for
mummification. The researcher promoted the view according to which mummification was a precursor for the evolution
of the beliefs that death is a journey. The beliefs also helped in the gradual sophistication of mummification rituals from
one Egyptian period unto the other
