Unraveling the Mysteries of Mummies: From Ancient Egypt to Ötzi and Beyond

Mummies have captivated the interest of both scientists and the general public, providing valuable insights into ancient cultures and the skilled practices of embalmers. This fascination even extends to classic horror films, such as the iconic "The Mummy" (1932), featuring Boris Karloff in the lead role.

Mummies, whether humans or animals, are bodies that have been intentionally or naturally preserved long after death. Normally, decomposition reduces a corpse to a skeleton within months. However, factors like hot and humid climates, conducive to bacterial decay, can accelerate this process. Conversely, it can be slowed down through the use of moisture-removing chemicals or in environments with extreme cold, low humidity, or oxygen deprivation.

In the eyes of the ancient Egyptians, the preservation of the body after death was not only a fundamental aspect of their religion but also a means to ensure a prosperous afterlife and showcase one's affluence. Evident displays of wealth were manifested through the opulence of their tombs and the intricacy of their embalming rites.

Ancient Egypt stands out as a remarkable example, where intentional mummification was highly advanced. Even today, scientists are striving to understand the intricate art and science behind Egyptian mummification. Evidence of the earliest intentional mummification dates back to around 2600 BCE, with the best-preserved specimens hailing from the New Kingdom period (1570–1075 BCE). Historical accounts, such as Herodotus's "The History," detail the mummification process, including brain and organ removal, except for the heart, which was filled with spices believed to house a person's essence. Natron, a natural desert salt, played a key role in extracting moisture and preventing decomposition. The body was allowed to desiccate for seventy days before being wrapped in linen and canvas for protection. Notably, various animals, including sacred bulls, cats, birds, and crocodiles, were also mummified for religious reasons.

Natural mummies have been discovered worldwide, preserved by diverse conditions like glacier ice, arid deserts, and oxygen-depleted peat bogs. One famous example is Ötzi the Iceman, found in the Alps on the Italian-Austrian border in 1991, dating back to around 3300 BCE. In the modern era, notable mummies include Vladimir Lenin and Eva Peron, who passed away in 1924 and 1952, respectively.