Mummy Printables

Did You Know...

• The ancient egyptians creating mummies because they believed their souls would continue into an afterlife. They thought it was important that their bodies were preserved and recognisable so that the soul would have a place to "live" after the body had passed away.

• The ancient egyptians created mummies over a 3000 year period of time. The technique changed over time, from the natural process of sun drying in the desert sun and sand, to the more complex methods of drying the body with natron, removing organs, stuffing the body and elaborately wrapping it.

• Before a body is mummified, most of the organs are removed, preserved, and stored in canopic jars. The brain was considered useless and was removed through the nose with a hook shaped tool. The heart was left in the body and was thought to be the center of intelligence.

• The most famous Egyptian mummy is probably King Tut (short for King Tutankhamun). He became a boy king at the age of only 9. It is thought that he was king for 9 years before his untimely death at age 18. King Tut's time of rule was probably around 1325 B.C.

• Humans weren't the only creatures who were mummified by the ancient egyptians. It was uncommon for a wealthy person to have their favorite pet muumified, including cats, dogs, monkeys, gazelles and birds.