A team of archaeologists has discovered a complete mummification workshop in Saqqara. This discovery provides concrete data about the substances and methods used. The site includes containers with remains of the compounds used, labeled with instructions. This allows for a direct analysis of the chemistry of preservation in ancient Egypt.
Residue Analysis and Protocol Reconstruction 🔬
Researchers have identified the components of the ointments using chromatography and spectrometry. The labels on the jars specify uses such as for the liver or for embalming the head. The recipes combined oils, conifer resins, pistacia, beeswax, and animal fats. This systematized knowledge indicates an advanced and reproducible technological process for its time.
The First Step-by-Step Tutorial for Eternity 📜
It seems the ancient Egyptians solved the problem of unclear tutorials. They left the instructions written on the jar itself, avoiding misunderstandings. Now we can know that they used pistacia for a good long-lasting aroma, a detail that any modern perfumery would envy. Such a detailed user manual would have prevented many failures in modern DIY projects.