Date:

Archaeologists unearth Ancient Egyptian embalming cache

Archaeologists from the Czech Institute for Egyptian Science have discovered a cache of artefacts related to the practice of Ancient Egyptian mummification during excavations in the Abu Sir cemetery.

Mummification in Ancient Egypt was an integral part of the rituals for the dead, involving the preservation of the body to ensure the deceased was accepted into the afterlife. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul, ka, which represented vitality, leaves the body once a person dies. Only if the deceased is correctly embalmed will the ka return so that they can live for eternity in the afterlife.

The cache, which dates from the 26th Dynasty (664 BC–525 BC) was found in a huge well measuring 5.3 x 5.3 meters at a depth of around 14 metres.

The researchers have identified 370 ceramic vessels, containing the remnants of materials used in the mummification process, in addition to four empty limestone Canopic jars engraved with hieroglyphic texts that names an individual called ‘Wahibre’.

- Advertisement -

During the mummification process, the brain was removed and drained, whilst a mixture of tree resin and fragrances stored in vessels such as the ones found in Abu Sir was used to stop the decomposition of any residual brain material. The lumbar area was then sliced open, and the organs of the abdomen (usually with the exception of the heart) was removed and placed in canopic jars to store and preserve the viscera of the deceased.

Miroslav Barta, head of the Czech mission, stated “The excavations were part of a long-term project aimed at uncovering antiquities dating back to an era when ancient Egyptian society was looking for new ways to preserve their unique Egyptian identity.”

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Header Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

- Advertisement -
Mark Milligan
Mark Milligan
Mark Milligan is an award winning journalist and the Managing Editor at HeritageDaily. His background is in archaeology and computer science, having written over 7,500 articles across several online publications. Mark is a member of the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), the World Federation of Science Journalists, and in 2023 was the recipient of the British Citizen Award for Education and the BCA Medal of Honour.

Mobile Application

spot_img

Related Articles

Baboons in Ancient Egypt were raised in captivity before being mummified

In a new study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, researchers examined a collection of baboon mummies from the ancient Egyptian site of Gabbanat el-Qurud, the so-called Valley of the Monkeys on the west bank of Luxor.

Archaeologists find 22 mummified burials in Peru

A Polish-Peruvian team of archaeologists have uncovered 22 mummified burials in Barranca, Peru.

Oldest prehistoric fortress found in remote Siberia

An international team, led by archaeologists from Freie Universität Berlin has uncovered an ancient prehistoric fortress in a remote region of Siberia known as Amnya.

Top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2023

The field of archaeology has been continuously evolving in 2023, making significant strides in uncovering new historical findings, preserving cultural heritage, and employing innovative technologies to study the past.

War in Ukraine sees destruction of cultural heritage not witnessed since WW2

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has resulted in a significant loss of human lives and the national and international displacement of many Ukrainian people.

Archaeologists find five Bronze Age axes in the forests of Kociewie

According to an announcement by the Pomeranian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, archaeologists have discovered five Bronze Age axes in Starogard Forest District, located in Kociewie, Poland.

Origins of English Christmas traditions

Christmas embodies a tapestry of ritual traditions and customs shared by many countries and cultures. Some hearken back to ancient times, while others represent more recent innovations.

Mosaic depicting lions found at ancient Prusias ad Hypium

Archaeologists have uncovered a mosaic depicting lions during excavations at ancient Prusias ad Hypium, located in modern-day Konuralp, Turkey.