Mummy
Mummy
Mummy (/ˈmʌmi/; from Middle English mumie, derived from Medieval Latin mumia, and from Arabic mūmiyyah meaning "bitumen") is a term used to describe the body of a human or animal that has been preserved after death, typically through the process of embalming and wrapping in bandages.
Etymology
The word mummy is derived from the Arabic word mūmiyyah, which means "bitumen". This is because bitumen was a substance often used in the embalming process. The term was later adopted by Medieval Latin as mumia.
History
Mummies have been found all over the world, but the process is most commonly associated with Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed in life after death and mummification was a way to preserve the body for the afterlife. The process involved removing the internal organs, treating the body with natural chemicals, and then wrapping it in linen bandages.
Related Terms
- Embalming: The process of preserving a body after death, often involving the use of chemicals, and wrapping in bandages.
- Bitumen: A black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons often used in mummification.
- Afterlife: The belief in a life after death, common in many cultures and religions.
- Ancient Egypt: A civilization in northeastern Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River, and known for pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mummy
- Wikipedia's article - Mummy
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