How did the Egyptians mummify their dead?
In the Predynastic Period (circa 4400–3100 B.C.), the Egyptians buried their dead in simple desert graves. They may have developed mummification to imitate the natural process that occurred when the sand in these graves absorbed the bodily fluids. Another theory suggests that mummification resulted from a desire to preserve the appearance of the body. This is supported by the discovery of some Old Kingdom mummies covered in plaster and paint to preserve the deceased’s image. In either case, the Egyptians began attempting to preserve the body by artificial means in the Early Dynastic Period (circa 3100–2675 B.C.). During the Old Kingdom (circa 2675–2170 B.C.), the practice of removing the organs to inhibit decomposition began. Embalmers also began experimenting with a naturally occurring salt called natron to dry out the body. By the Middle Kingdom (circa 2008–1630 B.C.), natron allowed the preservation of skin and some muscle tissue. The practice of removing the brain through the nose
