Most recently, British scientists did some experiments in 18 Egyptian mummies and they found some interesting facts. Like youth of modern times, ancient Egyptians also used hair jellies to make their hair stylish. When mummies' hairs were examined through microscope, they found some adhesive jelly substance. Later found that it was a mixture of animal and plant fats. Yes! It was a hair gel used before 3100 B.C., which surprised everyone. Let me give you a few more such interesting facts about mummies through this article.

Decorating eyes with Kajal - both males and females

Kajal(Kohl) was an important make up item for both males and females that time. It was believed that Sun God Ra and Kite God Horus protect people who put Kohl in their eyes. They used 'Eye of Horus' as their defense symbol.

Scientists took 52 samples used by ancient Egyptians and their conclusions were really amazing. The main ingredient of their kajal was lead(Pb). Though it's a poisonous substance, it helps human cells to produce oxide more. Since this oxide is a good antibiotic, it protect eyes from many infections and diseases. Thus, the belief of ancient Egyptians that their kohl would protect them from danger was somewhat true, now proved scientifically. Actually, mummies are decorated well just before mummification.

Cat mummies

It's believed that Egyptians were the first to make cats their pets. Cat God Bastet and Mafdet, who has cat's head and man's body were worshipped by Ferros at ancient times. Mummies of many cats were found from pyramids. Also, for worships,lakhs of cats were sacrificed by Ferros at that time. So, it's believed cat business was prominent at that time.

Scientists of California University were able to separate mitochondrion DNA from cat mummies and when compared with DNA of present cats, found that the ancestors of modern cats were Egyptians. Another interesting study was that ancient Egyptians used to give due respect and considerations to their pet animals also. That's why they were buried in the same way as humans and of course, with stuffed food so that their pets won't feel hungry. So, it's clear, ancient Egyptians took care of their pets well.

Wines and perfumes

Wine bottle obtained from the pyramid of Ferro Scorpion-1 was closely examined in California University. They found remains of many plant extracts and wooden stains from it. All those extracts were having high medicinal values. Thus it was proved that ancient Egyptians used wines to get away from diseases also. Now experiments are going on to make that medicinal wine again. From the pyramid of lady Ferro Haseshoo who ruled Egypt between BC 1479 and BC 1458, German scientists got an old perfume. They were able to decode the contents in that perfume and were successful to make the same perfume again in their lab.

Mummies are made....

My article will remain incomplete if I won't give an idea of how mummies were made before 5000 years. Let me conclude by giving you a brief idea.
Mummification consist of 2 processes - Embalming and Wrapping. Embalming is the process of preserving the dead body and wrapping is the process of covering it using cloth. First, dead body is brought to a tent known as 'Ibu' and washed using wine and water of Nile river. Then, a deep cut is made in the left part of the body and all the internal organs are taken out except heart. Those removed parts are immersed in Natron solution. Later, using a lengthy hook shaped metal tool, a hole is made in the nose through which the full brain is taken out. Then again, the whole body is dipped in natron solution to extract the whole water content from it. Again, washed the body using Nile water and perfumed oils are applied. Internal organs are taken out of Natron solution and covered with linen cloth. By this time, whole water content would be removed. Again, it's placed inside the body. But very often, they are preserved in containers like pickles. Many such containers had been found till now.

Then, the whole body is stuffed using wood husk, linen, dried leaves etc. Again, perfumed oils are applied and linen cloth is covered and the process continues. At first, head, neck and fingers were wrapped using linen. Later hands and legs were covered separately. Priests chanter mantras while the whole process is going on. Then hands and legs are tied and 'Book of the bead' written in papyrus script is kept in between the tied hands. Again cover using linen and apply wooden stains in between. Then the next process is to cover the whole body using a single cloth and picture of Orees is drawn. Again the mummy is covered with a cloth and placed inside the coffin, according to their customs.

Men has traveled a long distance forward from the ancient times. Science has advanced very much. Yet, when we are going through the phase and life style of people 5000 years back, we feel how much small and tiny particles we are. It's really like a dream world opened before our eyes when we carefully examine the life history of people who lived very long ago. I doubt, if persons of modern times take care of such minute-minute things as the ancient Egyptians have done, whether it is their make ups or whether it is their knowledge in medicinal herbs and fats, many centuries and millenniums back!!