The world’s oldest mummies are not found in Egypt or Chile, but in Portugal. A team of archaeologists from Uppsala University in Sweden and the University of Lisbon in Portugal have found evidence that humans in Portugal were practicing mummification as early as 8,000 years ago.
The discovery was made in the Sado Valley, a region in southern Portugal. The archaeologists were excavating a Mesolithic burial site when they found the remains of 13 skeletons. The skeletons were remarkably well-preserved, and some of them showed signs of mummification.
The skeletons from the Sado Valley provide a unique glimpse into the early practice of mummification in Europe. The skeletons show that the people who lived in this region were aware of the process of mummification, and that they were able to successfully preserve the bodies of their dead.
The skeletons also show that mummification was not a widespread practice in Europe at this time. The only other known examples of mummification from this period come from the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
What does this mean for our understanding of history?
The discovery of the 8,000-year-old mummies in Portugal has important implications for our understanding of history. It shows that the practice of mummification was more widespread in Europe than previously thought.
The discovery also challenges the traditional view that mummification was a uniquely Egyptian practice. It shows that people in other parts of the world were also aware of the process of mummification, and that they were able to successfully preserve the bodies of their dead.
What can we learn from this?
The discovery of the 8,000-year-old mummies in Portugal is a reminder of the rich and complex history of human cultures. It shows that people in different parts of the world were developing sophisticated burial practices at a very early date.
This information can help us to better understand the evolution of human culture, and it can also help us to appreciate the diversity of human cultures around the world.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 8,000-year-old mummies in Portugal is a significant archaeological find. It provides new insights into the early practice of mummification in Europe, and it challenges the traditional view that mummification was a uniquely Egyptian practice.
This discovery is a reminder of the rich and complex history of human cultures, and it can help us to better understand the evolution of human culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where were the 8,000-year-old mummies found?
The 8,000-year-old mummies were found in the Sado Valley, a region in southern Portugal.
- How were the 8,000-year-old mummies preserved?
The 8,000-year-old mummies were preserved through a process of natural mummification. The bodies were buried in a dry environment, which helped to prevent the decay of the flesh.
- What can we learn from the 8,000-year-old mummies?
The 8,000-year-old mummies can teach us a lot about the early practice of mummification in Europe. They show that people in this region were aware of the process of mummification, and that they were able to successfully preserve the bodies of their dead.
The mummies can also teach us about the culture and beliefs of the people who lived in this region at this time. They show that these people were concerned with the afterlife, and that they believed that the preservation of the body was important for the soul’s journey to the next world.
How can I learn more about the 8,000-year-old mummies?
To learn more about the 8,000-year-old mummies, you can visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Lisbon, Portugal. The museum has a permanent exhibition on the mummies, and it also offers guided tours of the excavation site.
You can also learn more about the mummies online. The University of Lisbon has a website dedicated to the mummies, and it includes information about the excavation, the preservation of the mummies, and the research that is being done on them.
I hope you enjoyed this article about the world’s oldest mummies. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.
