Which of the following options best describes what the process of mummification tells us about the ancient Egyptians? Give at least one reason for your answer. You can choose multiple options.

1. The process of mummification tells us that the ancient Egyptians had an advanced knowledge of medicine and the human body.
2. The process of mummification tells us that the ancient Egyptians wanted to keep their pharaohs alive.
3. The process of mummification tells us that the ancient Egyptians believed in life after death.

Option 1 and 3 are true.

Reason — When a person died, the body organs were removed and the body was dried. The body was embalmed with oils and spices to preserve it. It was then wrapped in strips of linen (a very fine cloth). This preserved body is called a mummy. Mummies were prepared thousands of years ago, and yet they are well preserved today. Therefore, the process of mummification tells us that the ancient Egyptians had an advanced knowledge of medicine and the human body.

The ancient Egyptians also believed in life after death. As a result of this, when the mummies were put in a wooden coffin and buried in the tombs, food, wine, clothes, jewellery, furniture and weapons were kept there too to make the journey comfortable.