Elaborate Egyptian mummification around 3500 BC and ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs about the underworld
Mummification is the process of preserving the body after death by deliberately drying or embalming flesh. This typically involved removing moisture from a deceased body and using chemicals or natural preservatives, such as resin, to desiccate the flesh and organs. Older mummies are believed to have been naturally preserved by burying them in dry desert sand and were not chemically treated. The Egyptians considered that there was no life better than the present, so wanted to be sure it would continue after death. This led to the mummification process, which came about amid fears that if the body was destroyed, a person’s spirit might be lost in the afterlife. The Mummification Process in ancient Egypt. Illustration by: Christian Jegou Ancient Egyptians loved life and believed in immortality. This motivated them to make early plans for their death. While this may seem contradictory, for Egyptians, it made perfect sense: They believed that life would continue after death and th...