Mummy we primarily associate with ancient Egypt. However, study of the mummy of the age of 5600 years confirm that this burial method was used long before the era of the pharaohs. It is believed that the use of embalming started much before the formation of the Old Kingdom and the pyramids.
Previously it was thought that the mummy began to create about 2,500 BC. However, the analysis of burials held in 2014, pushed back the start of mummification for another 1,500 years. This is evidenced by the new study, published in the Archaeological journal. It is important that the study is not based on pieces of cloth or resin, and really found the mummy.
Scientists report that their finding is not the earliest burial, but it is the first intact human body, which was buried around the year 4300 BC. This shows that mummification was used much before the arrival of the pharaohs for power.
The mummy in question is known as the Mummy S. 293 (RCGE 16550). It is known to scientists for a very long time, since 1901 exhibited in the Museum of Turin. This mummy has never been subjected to any methods of recovery and improve the appearance, making it a unique model for research.
Studies have shown that the body was mummified with a mixture of vegetable oil and pine resin and of the aromatic plants extract and sugar. This compound has potent antibacterial properties. Previously it was thought that mummification S. 293 was produced exclusively through a dry, desert conditions. Egyptian recipe of embalming was determined for the first time.
Analysis of tooth wear showed that the man was aged 20 to 30 years, when he was mummified. A study of the fabric indicates that he lived approximately between 3650 and 3500 BC. In addition, we found out that the pine resin that was used for embalming, was imported into Egypt, probably from the Middle East. It reveals more information about the ancient trade routes.
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The ancient Egyptians created mummies long before the pharaohs
Ernest Vasilevskiy