Animal Mummies of Ancient Egypt

ancient Egypt · afterlife · pets · religion

Cats were sacred. Egyptians mummified thousands of cats because they believed cats were physical forms of Bastet, the cat goddess. In 1888, a farmer discovered a massive pit filled with mummified cats near Istabl Antar.

Mummies for many reasons. Families mummified their beloved pets so the animals could join them in the afterlife, kind of like bringing your best friend on a journey forever. People also mummified animals as gifts to gods or to provide food for the dead in the next world.

Wrapped for eternity. Ancient Egyptians carefully wrapped animals in linen and preserved them with special salts and oils, just like they did with people. These wrapped animals were buried in tombs or special pits to last thousands of years.

Many animal types. It wasn't just cats that got mummified, different animals were preserved for different reasons. Birds, beetles, fish, and other creatures all played a role in Egyptian religious beliefs and afterlife practices.