You can learn about mummies from different sources, but in most cases the information is compressed and well-known. We suggest you look at the world of mummies from a new angle and learn about it a lot of interesting things.
In ancient times, before the burial of the body, they embalmed him, thanks to which many mummies survived to this day, providing an opportunity for scientists to learn important historical information. We bring to your attention some surprising facts about mummies that are not known to the general public.
1. Unavailable mummification
It is a mistake to believe that in ancient Egypt only pharaohs mummified. In fact, anyone who had financial means could order the procedure. The high price of embalming is due to the fact that the process was lengthy and consisted of many procedures performed by different people: the body was dried in a special way, the internal organs were removed, processed with special oils and wrapped with bandages.
2. Special shape of the sleeping bag
Tourists can not imagine their hikes without sleeping bags, which are made so that the width from above is greater than from below. As a result, the person lying inside becomes like a mummy. The form was chosen not simply because the designer was inspired by mummies when designing sleeping bags.
3. Mummy paint
In England, at one time public openings of mummies were very popular, the remains of which were then unnecessary, so they were sold for pennies. The main buyers, oddly enough, were the paint manufacturers. This is due to the fact that the crushed remains of ancient bodies gave an unusual brown shade, popular with artists. Paint from mummies was popular until 1960, and stopped doing it not because of the appearance of a good alternative, but because manufacturers simply ended with mummies.
4. The first to mummify people in South America
Many associate mummies with Egypt, but in fact, the first embalmed body of the South American tribe Chinchorro. Thanks to modern archaeological findings, it was concluded that the oldest mummies were buried about 7 thousand years ago, and this is twice as many as the first found Egyptian mummies.
5. Mummified not only people
Archaeologists found embalmed animals during excavations, for example, birds, snakes, cats, horses, monkeys, lions and even hippos.
6. Random mummies
Throughout Europe, many mummies have been found that have been accidentally subjected to this process, and here we are talking about swamp bodies. People got into the swamp by accident or it was a penalty. In such an environment, the body was mummified in a natural way, since there is a lot of antimicrobial peat moss in the marsh that keeps the body well.
7. The only body
Thanks to modern methods of research, scientists have determined that the only organ that the Egyptians in ancient times left inside the mummies is the heart. This is due to the fact that they believed that this body is the center of intelligence and emotions, which is surely useful in the afterlife.
8. Mummy of God
According to the myths of Ancient Egypt, the first mummy in history was the god Osiris, but scientists still could not find his remains. By the way, after the alleged burial of Osiris, other mummies were wrapped in a cloth on which this deity was depicted. This was done to ensure that he was hospitable to the dead in the dark world.
9. The Mummies of Frankenstein
Scientists in 2001 near the shores of Scotland were found several mummies, whose age is 3 thousand years. Studies have shown that they were composed of different parts of the body. The reason for this decision is unclear, but it is believed that the bodies were first subjected to mummification in swamps, and after 300-600 years they were re-buried and, apparently, by the principle of "how horrible".
10. The first wrote about the mummies of Herodotus
The man who first wrote in great detail about how the mummification is carried out is the Greek historian Herodotus. It happened after he visited Egypt around 450 BC.
11. Live mummies
Japanese monks Shingon began to prepare for mummification during their lifetime. The purpose of their practice is to enter into deep and eternal meditation. For 800 years, several monks have achieved certain results in this matter. First they were engaged in cleansing the body and spirit, and then asked friends to bury them in a small pit with a tube that was exposed to the surface and provided access to oxygen. As a result, they died without gasping, but from hunger. In hundreds of years, the tombs had to be opened to make sure that the mummification process was successful.
12. Strange entertainment
Apparently, in the Victorian era, people were very spoiled and looked for strange entertainment, for example, it was popular at that time to buy mummies at different parties and the guests unfolded it with great interest. In addition, at that time mummies were the main component for many drugs, and most doctors assured patients of their amazing healing properties.
13. Screaming mummies
During the excavation, scientists determined that some mummies were buried with their mouths open. Hence arose a myth spread among the people that the mummies were buried alive and people died in agony. In fact, during embalming, the mouth was left open specially to symbolize the act of breathing in the afterlife.
14. Mystic punishment
There is an Egyptian myth, according to which all the tombs were cursed, and the punishment will be overtaken by people who disturb the peace of the dead. There is much evidence that some archaeologists were seriously ill after excavations, and they were accompanied by failure. There are facts and deaths that occurred under unusual circumstances. This myth was used in many historical and adventure films.
15. Heavy mummification
Studying the mummies, the scientists made measurements and determined that on average the weight of all the bandages and mummy attires was about 2.5 kg.
16. Dust from mummies
King of England Charles II was sure that the dust that covers the mummy, contains the secret of greatness. He had several of his own mummies, from which he collected dust and rubbed it into his skin. It sounds, to put it mildly, scary.
17. Expensive masks
The faces of most of the mummies of the pharaohs were covered with golden masks, on which scientists found magical incantations. There is a version that they helped to get into the other world. Unique is the mask of Tutankhamun, which was made of pure gold. If it was now put up for auction, then its price would be at least $ 13 million.