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What is a mummy? |
by Lauren Orkus (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Ancient Egyptians helped develop a process called mummification. They believed that after people died on Earth, they traveled to a new place. It was important to them to protect the bodies for this journey, so they developed unique traditions that helped preserve them. These traditions could take up to 70 days! Then the bodies were wrapped in linen cloth and placed in a stone tomb or sarcophagus (pronounced SAR-COUGH-FUH-GUESS) for burial.
It is because of these unique traditions that archeologists discovered well preserved mummies who were thousands of years old. Scientists can study the mummies and learn more about the way the Ancient Egyptians lived! Pretty neat! It was also traditional to bury kings, pharos and other wealthy people with food, money and belongings for their journies to the next life. And guess what? Archeologists also study this stuff to learn more about this fascinating culture.
It is because of these unique traditions that archeologists discovered well preserved mummies who were thousands of years old. Scientists can study the mummies and learn more about the way the Ancient Egyptians lived! Pretty neat! It was also traditional to bury kings, pharos and other wealthy people with food, money and belongings for their journies to the next life. And guess what? Archeologists also study this stuff to learn more about this fascinating culture.
Time Capsule!
While the idea of a mummy may seem a little scary at first, it is important to think of all the amazing things they have helped us learn! Without preserved mummies, we may have never have know that these Ancient Egyptians even existed. They are kind of like a time capsule buried in the ground! If you were take a shoe box and make your own time capsule, what items would you put in it to represent who you are today and your place in history? Make a list and see what you come up with!
While the idea of a mummy may seem a little scary at first, it is important to think of all the amazing things they have helped us learn! Without preserved mummies, we may have never have know that these Ancient Egyptians even existed. They are kind of like a time capsule buried in the ground! If you were take a shoe box and make your own time capsule, what items would you put in it to represent who you are today and your place in history? Make a list and see what you come up with!