Embalm

How the Egyptians mummified bodies continues to intrigue, yet aspects about the process have remained elusive, until now. New research has revealed the actual ingredients and materials, and even some of the recipes used.

Embalming a corpse was a chemical process. However, the roles of the various chemicals, as well as the overall procedure, have so far remained unclear. The opportunity to examine equipment from an ancient processing facility at Saqqara provided some much-needed answers. The building, located a few meters to the south of the pyramid of King Unas, featured a subterranean evisceration facility (wabet), a multifunctional aboveground structure (likely corresponding to the ibu in the ancient texts), and a communal burial space.