Mummification was one of the most important funerary practices of ancient Egypt. Egyptians believed that preserving the body was essential for the deceased to continue into the afterlife. The process was complex and was accompanied by religious rituals and prayers. According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the complete process took around 70 days.
1. Preparing the Body
After death, the body was carefully prepared for preservation. Some of the internal organs were removed through a small incision and placed in special containers known as canopic jars. The preservation of the organs was an important part of the funerary process.
2. Drying the Body
One of the most important stages was removing moisture from the body.
The Egyptians used natron, a naturally occurring salt associated with Wadi El Natrun, to dry the body. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the drying stage lasted around 40 days. Removing moisture helped prevent the body from rapidly decomposing.
3. Wrapping the Mummy
After the body had been dried, it was wrapped carefully in many layers of linen bandages.
The wrapping was more than simply covering the body. Amulets were placed between the layers of linen to protect the deceased and provide magical protection on the journey to the afterlife.
The number of layers could vary. The Ministry's Discover Egypt's Monuments explains that the mummy of Tutankhamun, for example, had 16 layers of linen wrappings.
4. The Role of Anubis
The god Anubis, usually represented with the head of a jackal, was closely associated with embalming and mummification.
His presence reflected the religious importance of protecting the dead and preparing them for the afterlife. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities identifies Anubis as the god of embalming and mummification.
5. The Final Burial
Once the mummy was prepared, the family received the body and placed it inside a coffin before burial.
The mummy was not simply a preserved corpse. For the ancient Egyptians, it was part of a much larger religious system connected with death, rebirth, and the afterlife.
Why Was Mummification So Important?
The ancient Egyptians believed that preserving the body helped the deceased continue their existence after death. This belief explains why they invested so much time, skill, and religious meaning into the mummification process.
Thousands of years later, Egyptian mummies continue to reveal information about the people who created them—and about one of the world's most fascinating ancient civilizations.
Discover More About Egyptian Mummification
Why Did Ancient Egyptians Remove the Organs?
What Was Natron and Why Was It Important for Mummification?
What Did Ancient Egyptians Put Inside a Mummy's Wrappings?
Who Was Anubis? The God of Mummification and the Afterlife
Why Were Royal Mummies Hidden?