How Many Days Did Ancient Egyptian Embalmers Take to Prepare a Mummy?

The Significance of Mummification in Ancient Egypt

In the ancient world of Egypt, the practice of mummification was not merely a process of preservation but a solemn ritual deeply rooted in religious belief and the broader concept of afterlife. Mummification, the act of preparing the dead body to preserve it in as life-like a manner as possible, was a fundamental practice throughout most of early Egyptian history. The essence of this process was to ensure that the physical form of the deceased was preserved alongside the soul, which was deemed crucial for the continuation of life beyond the grave.

The Development of Mummification

The earliest mummified bodies from prehistoric times were likely accidental, preserved by the naturally occurring dry sand and air, which are scarce in Egypt. However, the practice of intentional mummification began around 2600 BCE during the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties. This practice lasted for over 2000 years, evolving continuously, with some of the best-preserved mummies belonging to the Eighteenth through the Twentieth Dynasties of the New Kingdom, which saw significant advancements in the techniques used.

The Stages of Mummification

Dealing with Internal Organs and the Brain: The first step involved the removal of internal organs that would decay rapidly, such as the brain, which was extracted through the nostrils using special hooks, and the abdominal and chest organs, which were removed through incisions. The heart was kept as it was believed to hold the core of one's personality and intelligence. Drying the Body: After removing the internal organs, the body was treated with natron, a type of salt known for its drying properties, both externally and internally through packets. This process could take several days, after which the natron was removed, leaving a dry, recognizable form. Enhancing the Appearance: To make the mummy more life-like, sunken areas of the body were filled with linen and other materials, and false eyes were added to complete the appearance. Wrapping the Mummy: Hundreds of yards of linen were used to wrap the mummy, sometimes even wrapping each finger and toe separately. These wraps were not just for protection but also to trap the soul within the body. Amulets were placed in the wrapping, and some linen was used to write magical words and prayers. A mask of the face might also be used.

The Mummification Process and Its Duration

The entire process of mummification was time-consuming and meticulous, taking precisely 70 days. This period was meticulously divided into various stages, each involving specific rituals, prayers, and the application of natural or magical treatments. The detailed knowledge of anatomy held by the priests was paramount to ensure that the body was prepared as correctly as possible.

Funeral and Farewell Rituals

Once the mummy was complete, numerous objects were prepared to be placed in the tomb for the deceased to use in the Afterlife. These included furniture, statuettes, wall paintings, and lists of food or prayers, all of which were believed to transform into real items when needed. The final stage of the process involved performing special religious rites at the tombs entrance, most importantly the Breath of Life Ceremony.

Although the elaborate burial practices might suggest a preoccupation with death, the ancient Egyptians actually began to make plans for their deaths early due to their love of life. They believed that life in the Afterlife could not be any better than the present, and thus wanted to ensure that this life would continue after their death.

Mummification was a complex and fascinating process, reflecting the deep-seated beliefs of ancient Egyptians about life, death, and the afterlife. The seventy days it took to prepare a mummy encapsulated not only the technical skills and knowledge of the priests but also the profound cultural values of the ancient Egyptian civilization.