What happened before mummification?What happened before mummification?

The earliest ancient Egyptians buried their dead in small pits in the desert. The heat and dryness of the sand dehydrated the bodies quickly, creating lifelike and natural 'mummies'.

The methods of embalming, or treating the dead body, that the ancient Egyptians used is called mummification. Using special processes, the Egyptians removed all moisture from the body, leaving only a dried form that would not easily decay. It was important in their religion to preserve the dead body in as life-like a manner as possible. So successful were they that today we can view the mummified body of an Egyptian and have a good idea of what he or she looked like in life, 3000 years ago.

The methods of embalming, or treating the dead body, that the ancient Egyptians used is called mummification. Using special processes, the Egyptians removed all moisture from the body, leaving only a dried form that would not easily decay. It was important in their religion to preserve the dead body in as life-like a manner as possible. So successful were they that today we can view the mummified body of an Egyptian and have a good idea of what he or she looked like in life, 3000 years ago.

Mummification is born

Who was mummified? Who was mummified?

After death, the pharaohs of Egypt usually were mummified and buried in elaborate tombs. Members of the nobility and officials also often received the same treatment, and occasionally, common people. However, the process was an expensive one, beyond the means of many.

For religious reasons, some animals were also mummified. The sacred bulls from the early dynasties had their own cemetery at Sakkara. Baboons, cats, birds, and crocodiles, which also had great religious significance, were sometimes mummified, especially in the later dynasties.

After death, the pharaohs of Egypt usually were mummified and buried in elaborate tombs. Members of the nobility and officials also often received the same treatment, and occasionally, common people. However, the process was an expensive one, beyond the means of many.

For religious reasons, some animals were also mummified. The sacred bulls from the early dynasties had their own cemetery at Sakkara. Baboons, cats, birds, and crocodiles, which also had great religious significance, were sometimes mummified, especially in the later dynasties.

Where did the Mummies go?Where did the Mummies go?

Sadly, most were plundered in ancient times by grave robbers and vandals looking for treasures wrapped up in the bandages. Countless mummies were also destroyed during the Middle Ages, when they were ground into powders to make supposedly magical potions. Later on, modern treasure hunters blundered into their tombs looking for artifacts and souvenirs. Even industry aided the destruction by using mummies' bandages to make paper or burning their bodies for fuel.

Sadly, most were plundered in ancient times by grave robbers and vandals looking for treasures wrapped up in the bandages. Countless mummies were also destroyed during the Middle Ages, when they were ground into powders to make supposedly magical potions. Later on, modern treasure hunters blundered into their tombs looking for artifacts and souvenirs. Even industry aided the destruction by using mummies' bandages to make paper or burning their bodies for fuel.

What happened to mummification over time?What happened to mummification over time?

Over time almost all Egyptians who could afford to, became mummies when they died -- a total of about 70 million mummies in 3,000 years. By the 4th century AD, many Egyptians had become Christians and no longer believed that mummification was necessary for life after death. Eventually, the Egyptians gave up the art and science of making mummies.

Over time almost all Egyptians who could afford to, became mummies when they died -- a total of about 70 million mummies in 3,000 years. By the 4th century AD, many Egyptians had become Christians and no longer believed that mummification was necessary for life after death. Eventually, the Egyptians gave up the art and science of making mummies.

The mummification processThe mummification process

1.Pull brain out of nose using a hook 2.Make a cut on the left side of the body near the tummy 3.Remove all internal organs 4.Let the internal organs dry 5.Place internal organs inside canopic jars except for heart Place the heart back inside the body 7.Rinse inside of body with wine and spices 8.Cover the corpse with natron (salt) for 70 days 9.After 40 days stuff the body with linen or sand to give it a more human shape 10.After the 70 days wrap the body from head to toe in bandages and place in sarcophagus.

1.Pull brain out of nose using a hook 2.Make a cut on the left side of the body near the tummy 3.Remove all internal organs 4.Let the internal organs dry 5.Place internal organs inside canopic jars except for heart Place the heart back inside the body 7.Rinse inside of body with wine and spices 8.Cover the corpse with natron (salt) for 70 days 9.After 40 days stuff the body with linen or sand to give it a more human shape 10.After the 70 days wrap the body from head to toe in bandages and place in sarcophagus.

Lets make a mummyLets make a mummy

http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/mummy-maker

Take a few minutes to complete the quiz, then use the game to grade your responses.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/mummy-maker

Take a few minutes to complete the quiz, then use the game to grade your responses.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

Writing PromptWriting PromptWriting PromptWriting Prompt

We learned how the Ancient Egyptians mummified bodies. I want you to take this tradition and apply it to our culture. You are a great leader planning your own tomb. Just like the Pharaoh’s you must decide what you want to take to the afterlife. Write a paragraph describing your tomb and the items you place in it for the afterlife. Be very specific and descriptive.

We learned how the Ancient Egyptians mummified bodies. I want you to take this tradition and apply it to our culture. You are a great leader planning your own tomb. Just like the Pharaoh’s you must decide what you want to take to the afterlife. Write a paragraph describing your tomb and the items you place in it for the afterlife. Be very specific and descriptive.