Mummy
A dead body that has been preserved so it does not decay, especially in ancient Egypt.
What is it?
A mummy is a body that has been treated with special chemicals and wrapped in cloth to keep it from rotting. The ancient Egyptians did this because they believed the soul needed the body to live in the afterlife. The process took about 70 days. They removed the organs, dried the body with a salt called natron, and then wrapped it in linen bandages. Sometimes they placed amulets between the layers for protection. The coffin you saw was made to hold a mummy.
Why it matters
Mummies give us a direct look at people who lived thousands of years ago. Scientists can study mummies to learn about diseases, diet, and even the person's age. Mummies also show the Egyptians' deep belief in the afterlife.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more mummies or mummy-related objects.
