Current location - Music Encyclopedia - Chinese History - What is a mummy (from the perspective of history, culture and science)
What is a mummy (from the perspective of history, culture and science)
Mummy refers to a kind of remains that can be preserved for a long time by people or animals after special treatment. The history of mummies can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when people thought that preserving corpses could give souls eternal life.

The history of mummies

The history of mummies can be traced back to ancient Egypt around 2600 BC. At that time, Egyptians thought that death was not an end, but the beginning of another world. In order to protect the souls of the dead, they began to use some special techniques to preserve the bodies.

The earliest mummies were made by natural drying. In the desert, the body will be covered with dry sand, which can prevent the body from rotting. Later, people began to use chemicals and natural oils to treat corpses in order to achieve better preservation results.

In ancient Egypt, mummies were considered sacred things. Only pharaohs and senior officials can enjoy this treatment. Their bodies will be put into golden coffins and put in temples for permanent preservation.

The process of mummification

The process of mummification is very complicated and requires many steps. First of all, clean your body and remove all internal organs and organs. Then, the body will be soaked in a special potion to prevent it from rotting.

Next, the body of the corpse needs filling to keep its shape. Then, all parts of the body are wrapped, usually with special bandages. These bandages will be soaked in a special chemical to keep them hard and durable.

Finally, the mummy will be placed in a special coffin, in a temple or mausoleum. Mummy's body can be preserved in a closed space for a long time.

Cultural value of mummies

Mummies played a very important role in ancient Egyptian culture. They are regarded as sacred things that can protect the souls of the dead and provide them with eternal life. In addition, mummies are regarded as a symbol of wealth and power. Only pharaohs and senior officials can enjoy mummification.

The Scientific Value of Mummies

In addition to cultural value, mummies have important scientific value. Through the study of mummies, people can learn about ancient culture and lifestyle. In addition, the preservation and production technology of mummies also provides many inspirations for modern scientists, such as the preservation and transportation of drugs and chemicals.