THE ancient Egyptians developed embalming treatments earlier than previously thought, according to research by the University of York.
Scientists from universities in York, Macquarie, Oxford, Warwick, Trento and Turin carried out forensic tests on an intact prehistoric mummy dating from 3700 to 3500 BC and found what is thought to be one of the first "recipes" used to preserve bodies.
The tests showed that a plant oil, heated conifer resin, an aromatic plant extract and a plant gum or sugar were mixed together to embalm the body. The research consolidated scientists' previous findings that embalming was taking place 1,500 years earlier than previously thought.
Archaeological chemist and mummification expert, Dr Stephen Buckley said: “Having identified very similar embalming recipes in our previous research on prehistoric burials, this latest study provides both the first evidence for the wider geographical use of these balms and the first ever unequivocal scientific evidence for the use of embalming on an intact, prehistoric Egyptian mummy." Researchers said the results "significantly change" their understanding of
the development of mummification.
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