Who’s Your Mummy? Mummy- a dead person or animal that has been preserved accidentally by nature or intentionally by people

Embalming Process of intentionally preserving a body with chemicals Process of decay is a natural one that is caused by bacteria, protists, fungi,and small animals If preserved, these organisms cannot live on it, therefore body does not rot

Preparing for the trip Ancient Egyptians often mummified their dead Spent much time in perfecting the science of embalming Embalming bodies took up to 70 days to complete Early tries included organs wrapped in cloth and was not effective.

Hooks and Jars Brain was removed with metal hook through the nose All others except heart and kidneys were removed through a cut in the abdomen and placed in jars Empty cavity was refilled with linen cloth or sawdust

Preservation Body put in natron (sodium carbonate) until the tissues were dry Gave the body wrinkled leathery appearance Body removed from natron, washed and rub with oils to soften the skin Dried body was wrapped in many layers of linen cloth

Investigations Use MRI, Cat scans and x-rays to look inside without disturbing the mummy Can determine age, sex, and cause of death