The ancient Egyptians developed an elaborate process to prepare bodies for the afterlife through mummification. The embalmers would remove internal organs, wrap the body in linen and place amulets between layers for protection. They believed the heart was essential for the afterlife so it was left in the body. The mummy was then placed in a decorated coffin for burial along with gifts and prayers to ensure safe passage in the afterlife.

1. By Nadya 4C

2.  Preserved body
 Pharaoh
 Preparation for afterlife

3.  Body taken to Ibu or Place of Purification
 Embalmers wash body with wine, then rinsed Nile
water
 Make cut on side
 Remove organs, liver, lungs and stomach
intestines washed, packed in natron
 Intestines stored in Canopic Jars
 Heart not taken out, was centre of intelligence,
feeling for afterlife
 Long hook used to pull out brain from nose
 Thought brain was useless

4.  Body covered and stuffed with Natron, dry out
body
 Fluids and rags from Embalming process will be
saved and buried with body
 After 40 days, body washed with Nile water again
 Body covered with oils, helps skin stay elastic
 Dehydrated organs wrapped linen and returned to
body
 Body stuffed with dry materials, so looks life-like
 Body covered good-smelling oils

5.  Head and neck wrapped first, with strips fine
linen
 Fingers and toes wrapped individually
 Between layers of wrapping, protective charms
and amulets placed to protect body
 Prayers said over body

6.  Mummy placed in specially-fitted coffin
 Many coffins painted, decorated, sometimes
portrait of dead person

7.  We bury people
 Organs
 Pakistani wrap their dead in a type of cotton
 Gifts
 Pray
 Funerals

8.  www.ancientegypt.co.uk
 Pharaohs and mummies by Maureen Hill