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Archaeology

Ancient Egyptian Crocodile Mummy Found to Contain Multitude of Smaller Mummies

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Crocodile Mummy Found Containing Dozens of Smaller Crocodiles

Discovery

A remarkable discovery has been made at the Netherlands’ National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. A nearly ten-foot-long crocodile mummy, which has been on display since 1828, has been found to contain 47 smaller crocodiles packed inside.

The discovery was made during a comprehensive 3D CT scan in preparation for a new exhibit. Previous X-ray and CT scans had revealed that the mummy was made up of two juvenile crocodile skeletons, but the tiny mummies were only visible with the more advanced scanning technology.

Mummification in Ancient Egypt

Mummification was a prevalent practice in Ancient Egypt, with mummies serving as offerings to the gods during religious rituals. The discovery of multiple crocodiles within a single mummy is particularly surprising, as mummies were highly valued and often contained scraps of honored beasts.

The Tiny Mummies

Each of the tiny crocodiles was individually mummified before being packed into the larger mummy. The reasons for this are unclear, but researchers speculate that it may have been a symbolic nod to the Ancient Egyptian belief in resurrection or simply a practical solution due to a shortage of large crocodiles.

Historical Significance

This discovery marks only the second known instance of a crocodile mummy containing multiple crocodiles. In 2015, a scan of a similar mummy at the British Museum in London revealed about 20 tiny hatchlings wrapped into the larger crocodile’s back.

Upcoming Exhibit

The National Museum of Antiquities is proceeding with the planned exhibit, which will allow visitors to conduct a virtual autopsy of the crocodile mummy and witness the previously unseen baby crocodiles.

Ancient Egyptian Beliefs

The discovery of the crocodile mummy with multiple crocodiles raises questions about Ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. The presence of the tiny mummies may suggest a symbolic connection to the afterlife or a practical solution to a lack of resources.

Research and Analysis

Researchers at the National Museum of Antiquities are continuing to study the crocodile mummy and its contents. They hope to gain further insights into the mummification process, the significance of multiple crocodiles in mummies, and the beliefs and practices of the Ancient Egyptians.

Educational Value

The discovery of the crocodile mummy with multiple crocodiles provides a valuable educational opportunity. It sheds light on the ancient practice of mummification, the beliefs and customs of Ancient Egypt, and the importance of advanced technology in archaeological research.

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Archaeology

Fragments of Ancient Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead’ Reunited After Centuries: Unraveling Funerary Secrets

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Fragments of Ancient Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead’ Reunited After Centuries

Discovery and Reunification

Researchers have digitally reunited two fragments of a 2,300-year-old linen mummy wrapping covered in hieroglyphics from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. The fragments, originally from the same scroll, were scattered across museums worldwide.

When employees at the Getty Research Institute (GRI) in Los Angeles saw photographs of a digitized fragment housed in the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities at the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand, they realized that a section in their collections fit perfectly with the UC scrap.

Significance of the Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead, a collection of funerary texts, was believed to guide the deceased through the afterlife. It contained spells, prayers, and illustrations depicting the journey and challenges faced by the soul in the underworld.

Provenance of the Fragments

The reunited fragments came from a series of bandages once wrapped around a man named Petosiris. Fragments of the linen are scattered across museums and private collections around the globe.

The UC fragment originated in the collection of Charles Augustus Murray, the British consul general in Egypt from 1846 to 1853. It later became the property of British official Sir Thomas Phillips. The university acquired the linen at a Sotheby’s sale in London in 1972.

Ancient Egyptian Funerary Practices

Ancient Egyptian belief held that the deceased needed worldly possessions on their journey to and in the afterlife. The art in pyramids and tombs depicted scenes of offerings, supplies, servants, and other necessities for the afterlife.

Evolution of Funerary Texts

Ancient Egyptian funerary texts first appeared on tomb walls during the Old Kingdom period (around 2613 to 2181 B.C.). Initially, only royalty at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara could have these so-called Pyramid Texts inscribed at their graves.

Over time, funerary customs changed, and versions of the Coffin Texts—a later adaptation of the Pyramid Texts—appeared on the sarcophagi of nonroyal people. During the New Kingdom period (roughly 1539 to 1075 B.C.), the Book of the Dead became available to all who could afford a copy.

Hope for Further Insights

Scholars hope that the newly joined fragments will reveal more information about ancient Egyptian funerary practices. “The story, like the shroud, is being slowly pieced together,” says Terri Elder, a curator at the Teece Museum.

The digital reunification of these fragments provides researchers with a valuable opportunity to study the Book of the Dead in greater detail and gain insights into the beliefs and customs of ancient Egyptian society.

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Archaeology

Meat Mummies: Culinary Insights into Ancient Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Meat Mummies: A Culinary Insight into Ancient Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs

Preservation Techniques for the Afterlife

In ancient Egypt, mummification was not limited to humans and animals. Food offerings were also given the royal treatment, ensuring sustenance for the deceased in the afterlife. Researchers have uncovered the intricate preservation techniques used to create these “meat mummies,” completing the trilogy of Egyptian mummies alongside human and animal mummies.

Mummification Process

The ancient Egyptians employed exotic preservation techniques for their food offerings, similar to those used in embalming human and animal mummies. Chemical analysis of four meat mummy samples revealed the use of fat and resin to preserve the meat. Fat-coated bandages protected the goat meat, while the beef ribs were treated with an elaborate balm of fat and a luxurious resin used in coffin varnish for royalty.

Variations in Preservation

Just as mummification techniques varied depending on the status of the deceased, so too did the preservation methods for meat mummies. The most elaborate preservation was found in the meat offerings of a high-ranking couple, reflecting their wealth and importance. This suggests that the quality of the afterlife snacks depended on the deceased’s status in society.

Types of Meat Mummies

Archaeologists have discovered various types of meat mummies, including:

  • Beef ribs: Two racks of beef ribs were found preserved with fat and resin.
  • Duck: A slab of duck was also discovered, preserved using similar techniques.
  • Sliced goat: Sliced goat meat was found wrapped in fat-coated bandages, ensuring its preservation.

Significance of Meat Mummies

Meat mummies provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. They demonstrate the importance of food offerings in the afterlife and the elaborate measures taken to ensure the deceased had sustenance in the next world. Additionally, they shed light on the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt, as the quality of the meat mummies varied depending on the status of the deceased.

Unveiling the Secrets of the Past

Through the study of meat mummies, researchers are gaining a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs. These preserved food offerings offer a glimpse into the rituals and practices surrounding death and the afterlife in one of the world’s most enigmatic civilizations. As new discoveries are made, the secrets of the past continue to be unveiled, providing valuable insights into the lives and customs of our ancestors.

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