Ancient Egyptian mummification was a seven-step process that took about seventy days, designed to preserve the body so the soul could recognize and return to it in the afterlife. The steps ran from purification and organ removal through drying, wrapping, a reanimation ritual, and burial, all performed under the protection of the embalming god Anubis.
Key Takeaways
- The full mummification process took about seventy days and involved seven main steps.
- Internal organs were removed and preserved separately in four canopic jars, each guarded by one of the Four Sons of Horus: Imsety (liver), Hapi (lungs), Duamutef (stomach), and Qebehsenuef (intestines).
- The body was dried using natron, a natural salt, over a period of about forty days.
- The “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony was believed to let the deceased breathe, speak, eat, and see in the afterlife.
- The final burial placed the mummy in decorated coffins, often accompanied by texts like the Book of the Dead.
The Seven Steps at a Glance
| Step | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 1. Purification | Body cleansed with water from the Nile |
| 2. Removal of internal organs | Brain removed through the nostrils; liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines removed through an abdominal incision |
| 3. Preservation of organs | Organs placed in four canopic jars, each guarded by one of the Four Sons of Horus |
| 4. Drying with natron | Body covered in natron salt for about forty days to dehydrate it |
| 5. Wrapping | Oils and resins applied, then the body wrapped in linen with amulets placed between layers |
| 6. Opening of the Mouth ceremony | Ritual believed to let the deceased breathe, speak, eat, and see in the afterlife |
| 7. Burial | Mummy placed in decorated coffins within the tomb, with offerings and texts such as the Book of the Dead |
Step 1: Purification of the Body
The process began with cleansing the deceased’s body using water from the Nile—considered sacred by the Egyptians. The symbolic washing connected the body to the life-giving power of The Nile River, purging earthly impurities before preparation began.
Step 2: Removal of Internal Organs
Embalmers carefully removed the internal organs, as these were prone to decay. The brain was extracted through the nostrils using special tools, while the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines were removed through an incision in the abdomen. These organs were preserved separately in canopic jars, each protected by one of the Four Sons of Horus. This step was crucial to prevent the body from decomposing.
Step 3: Preservation of Organs and Canopic Jars
Each canopic jar represented a guardian deity: Imsety guarded the liver, Hapi the lungs, Duamutef the stomach, and Qebehsenuef the intestines. These jars were often placed within the burial chamber alongside the mummy, as seen in tombs such as those in the Valley Of The Queens and the Sakkara Necropolis.
Step 4: Drying the Body with Natron
After removing the organs, the body was covered with natron, a natural salt mixture found in Egyptian deserts. Natron dehydrated the body, preventing bacterial growth, over a drying process that lasted about forty days. The preservation this produced can be seen in mummies at The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization.
Step 5: Wrapping the Body
Once dried, embalmers applied oils and resins to the body to maintain flexibility and fragrance, then wrapped the entire body in hundreds of yards of linen. Amulets and charms were placed between the layers for spiritual protection. Visitors can see wrapped royal mummies at The Grand Egyptian Museum.
Step 6: The “Opening of the Mouth” Ceremony
This ritual was believed to “reawaken” the deceased, allowing them to breathe, speak, eat, and see in the afterlife. Priests performed the ceremony using a special tool to touch the mummy’s mouth. The practice was often performed in temples like Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
Step 7: Burial and Afterlife Preparation
The final step involved placing the mummy in a series of coffins, often made of wood and decorated with protective deities and hieroglyphs. These coffins were placed within the tomb, surrounded by treasures, food, and offerings. The tomb’s walls were inscribed with texts like the Book of the Dead, guiding the soul through the afterlife. Tombs such as those in the Temple Of Hatshepsut and the royal resting places in Luxor City illustrate this final act.
Where to See This History
Many artifacts and mummies discovered at sites like the The Valley Of The Kings reveal the spiritual significance of these practices, and Anubis, the god of embalming, is represented by the Anubis Symbol. Travelers can see royal mummies at The Egyptian Museum Of Cairo, or explore the The Great Pyramids Of Giza and Tutankhamun’s tomb, through tours such as an Egypt tour with Nile cruise, a 14 day Egypt tour, Ancient Egypt Tours, a luxury Egypt tour package, the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise, an Egypt adventure tour, or a best Egypt itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Seven Steps of Mummification
1. Why did ancient Egyptians practice mummification?
Ancient Egyptians believed that preserving the body was essential for the soul’s journey into the afterlife. Mummification ensured the physical form remained intact so that the spirit could recognize and return to it.
2. How long did the mummification process take?
The entire process lasted approximately seventy days, including the drying, wrapping, and ritual ceremonies performed by priests.
3. What materials were used in mummification?
Natron salt, resins, oils, linens, and amulets were key materials. Each item had symbolic meaning, often tied to purification, protection, and preservation.
4. Where can I see mummies in Egypt today?
You can view royal and priestly mummies at museums such as The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization and The Grand Egyptian Museum, among others.
5. How can I explore Egypt’s mummification history in person?
Consider curated journeys like the Egypt adventure tour or a cultural immersion offered by best Egypt itinerary. These experiences provide access to ancient tombs, temples, and museums dedicated to the art of eternal preservation.
