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Episode 1: Egypt's Animal Mummies

Summary

What insight into the Ancient Egyptians can be gleaned from the analysis of mummified animals? Find out the importance of certain creatures to this great civilisation. First part.

Review

The Egyptians loved mummifying the dead: embalming them, wrapping them carefully in linen and burying them in preparation for their journey to the afterlife where they could live again. But these practices weren’t just confined to humans. The Egyptians cared for animals – about 20 per cent of all hieroglyphs feature them – and couldn’t imagine life after death without them, so it’s not surprising that mummified cats and dogs are commonly found in burials.

What is surprising is the sheer quantity of remains found. As the first part of this fascinating documentary points out, there are literally millions of mummified birds and beasts out there, but not always in the way you’d imagine. Sometimes only parts of the animals were preserved, usually in the form of choice cuts of beef – perfect for a snack in the afterlife!

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  • Summary

    What insight into the Ancient Egyptians can be gleaned from the analysis of mummified animals? Find out the importance of certain creatures to this great civilisation. First part.

    Review

    The Egyptians loved mummifying the dead: embalming them, wrapping them carefully in linen and burying them in preparation for their journey to the afterlife where they could live again. But these practices weren’t just confined to humans. The Egyptians cared for animals – about 20 per cent of all hieroglyphs feature them – and couldn’t imagine life after death without them, so it’s not surprising that mummified cats and dogs are commonly found in burials.

    What is surprising is the sheer quantity of remains found. As the first part of this fascinating documentary points out, there are literally millions of mummified birds and beasts out there, but not always in the way you’d imagine. Sometimes only parts of the animals were preserved, usually in the form of choice cuts of beef – perfect for a snack in the afterlife!

    Details

    Languages
    Formats
    Colour
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