Archaeologists Discover the Earliest-Known Mummies
Summary
Archaeologists discovered the oldest known evidence of human mummification in Southeast Asia and southern China, predating Egyptian mummies. These findings show that people in these regions preserved bodies using smoke-drying techniques between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago. This discovery highlights burial practices involving crouched postures and traces of burning.Key Facts
- The study found evidence of mummification predating ancient Egyptian methods by thousands of years.
- The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
- An international team analyzed burial sites across Southeast Asia and southern China.
- Societies from 12,000 to 4,000 years ago used smoke-drying to preserve bodies.
- Bodies were often found in crouched or squatting positions, not fully decayed before burial.
- X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy showed these bodies were exposed to heat.
- The study suggests some burial practices are similar to those of indigenous groups in Australia and New Guinea.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
