Mummification represents one of the most sophisticated achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization, blending profound religious belief with practical anatomical knowledge that was far ahead of its time.

The process evolved over thousands of years. The earliest known mummies, dating to around 3500 BCE, were naturally preserved by the desiccating action of hot desert sand. The elaborate artificial mummification that popular culture associates with ancient Egypt developed gradually, reaching its peak during the 21st Dynasty (1069–945 BCE).

Modern CT scanning technology has revolutionized the study of mummies. These non-invasive scans reveal unprecedented details: the methods of organ removal, the types of resins used, and even evidence of the diseases that afflicted the individual in life. Recent scans of a mummy previously thought to be an animal proved to be a stillborn human, providing insights into burial practices for the very young.