First Step of Mummification is Essential to Prevent Autolysis and Halt Decomposition

The Egyptian method of mummification was so effective that we may still tell how a person appeared by analyzing his or her mummy after 5000 years. In a non-mummified body, on the other hand, the decomposition process begins a few hours after death and takes a few months for the flesh to entirely decompose, leaving only the skeleton remains.


Autolysis is the initial stage of decomposition following death. Autolysis, also known as self-digestion, is the process of a cell being destroyed by its own enzymes. It starts soon after death, and internal organs such as the intestines automize swiftly, since they contain digestive enzymes that aid in self-digestion. The organs are removed since leaving them in place would cause the body to deteriorate. To assist avoid rotting, as much water as feasible was eliminated. The organs not only retained a lot of water, but they also harbored bacteria and other decay-promoting chemicals like bile or partially digested food. To prevent deterioration, the first step in mummification is to remove internal organs. So the first of mummification is absolutely necessary to prevent autolysis and halt decomposition.

Photo: istockphoto
Photo: istockphoto
Source: Nicole Beahan youtube channel

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