Mystery of 2,700-year-old pot bottom reveals secrets of Egyptian mummification – BBC News Thailand

Organic stains captured in ancient vessels Most of the pots and jars were taken from the crypt of the Saqqara tomb near Cairo, Egypt. Help solve the mystery that has puzzled archaeologists for a long time. What was the formula for the lacquer and embalm used to make the mummies?

The 2,700-year-old vessel comes from an underground mummification chamber discovered in 2016. Archaeologists believe that the mummification chamber is part of the royal tombs of the 26th dynasty (Saite dynasty) who ruled Egypt from 700- 500 BC.

A team of researchers from Germany and Egypt report on the results of the analysis of organic molecules in 31 ancient pots, which are clearly written with the names of the items contained in hieroglyphics.

This information reveals the names of the items it contains. as the ancient Egyptians called it The results of the above study were published in the journal Nature on February 1.

Even earlier, archaeologists will know from some old records that What are the components used to cover or embalm the body during mummification? But the names of the substances listed are often ancient names that are unfamiliar and are no longer known in modern times. Therefore, it is necessary to use scientific chemical analysis to help.

The analysis revealed that the organic compounds used in the mummification Reduce the rotten smell and the decomposition of the dead body by fungi and bacteria. Contains a variety of ingredients From vegetable oils such as juniper, cypress, cedar, pistachio resins, animal fats and beeswax.

In addition, the research team also found that certain organic substances are applied to specific organs. Examples include pistachio resin and castor oil. is reserved for the head of the body only

Professor Philip Stockhammer, experts from Germany’s Ludwig-Maximilian University, one of the members of the research team, said: “It’s amazing how well the ancient Egyptians knew chemistry. This knowledge has been gathered over thousands of years. Until you can identify what will help maintain the body to be resilient Without having to have any basic knowledge of micro-organisms at all.”

The study also found that what the ancient Egyptians called antiu, popularly translated as incense or myrrh, was actually a mixture of animal fat and different turpentine oils.

However, it is still difficult to say whether the lacquer and the embalm were found. Is it an accepted and widely used formula in ancient times? Only a few ancient mummification chambers have been found in Saqqara tombs.

Another amazing thing is that the research team found that the raw materials used to make these preservatives Many of them came from incredibly far away lands. Although most of the products come from the Mediterranean region.

Chan Yang (dammar gum) was found to be one of the organic compounds used in the above mummification. This raw material comes from the sap of the Teng or Jik tree, found in India and Southeast Asia. It shows that the ancient Egyptian empire had a wide trade network to the other side of the world. however It is also possible that this rubber tree came from tropical Africa itself.