Greg Jenner and Campbell Price delve into the curious and fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummification
Apr 27, 2024
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Public historian Greg Jenner and Egyptologist Campbell Price discuss intriguing topics on ancient Egyptian mummification, such as black goo on mummies, cat mummies as fertilizer, and the allure of mummified figures. They explore the mysteries and myths surrounding mummification while unraveling the hidden secrets of this ancient practice.
Ancient Egyptian mummification began as a way to elevate the deceased, not degrade them as time went on.
Mummification rituals were focused on transforming the deceased into a divine being, using rituals, prayers, and significant fabrics.
Deep dives
Mummification in Ancient Egypt
Mummification in ancient Egypt was not started with grand announcements but was rooted in treating the deceased as special. Wrapping in linen or using fragrant resins were signs of divinity long before official mummification processes. This treatment of the body began before the pre-dynastic period, indicating an early tradition. The emphasis was on marking the deceased as elevated and beyond living people.
Evolution of Mummification Practice
The process of mummification did not evolve over time but saw changes depending on regions and objectives. The perception of mummification as degrading with time is a misconception linked to foreign influence in Egypt. The intricate rituals performed during mummification were not about physical preservation but focused on transforming the deceased into a divine being through rituals, prayers, and significant fabrics.
Animal Mummification and Offerings
The ancient Egyptians mummified animals along with humans as offerings to the gods. Animals in Egyptian culture represented a connection between humans and gods, with various species being mummified and offered. The act of mummifying animals was intricately linked to providing divine material to the gods as images of themselves. Animal mummification captured the significance of species to Egyptian beliefs.
Mummies in Pop Culture
Mummies became ingrained in popular culture, notably highlighted by films and literature portraying them as both mysterious and horrific figures. Pop culture representations of mummies often depict them as gothic horror icons, stemming from the 1920s and 1930s with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The allure of mummies in pop culture carries themes of vengeance, colonial guilt, and orientalism, shaping public perceptions of ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs.
What was the 'black goo' that coated ancient Egyptian mummies? Could ancient Egyptians take a sick day to bury their loved ones? And were ancient cat mummies really used to fertilise the fields of Victorian Britain? In this special episode, public historian and broadcaster Greg Jenner speaks to curator and Egyptologist Dr Campbell Price about the strange and fascinating world of mummification.