The Iceman, Mummies, and

Bog Bodies

From Around the World

Social Studies Grade 6

What is a Mummy?

A mummy, to put it bluntly, is an old dead body. But unlike a skeleton or a fossil, a mummy still retains some of the soft tissue it had when it was alive—most often skin, but sometimes organs and muscles, as well. This tissue preservation can happen by accident or through human intervention but, in either case, it occurs when bacteria and fungi are unable to grow on a corpse and cause its decay.

How are Mummies Made?

Historically, quick drying has been the most common

method of mummification, since bacteria and fungi cannot

grow where there is no water. Mummies can be dried in

the sun, with fire or smoke, or with chemicals. Since most

bacteria and fungi cannot live in sub-freezing

temperatures, permanent freezing can also produce a

mummy. Placing a body in an oxygen-free environment,

such as a peat bog, will cause mummification also,

because the microorganisms cannot live without air.

Another way to create a mummy is to bury it in soil

containing chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi.

Why are Mummies Made?

Some of the world's best known mummies were created accidentally, when a body's final resting place happened to prevent the natural process of decay. But many cultures around the world have sought to mummify their dead on purpose. The process of artificially preserving a dead body is called "embalming," and the methods used are as varied as the cultures themselves.

This is a photograph of the Iceman found in Italy.

Here is another image of the Iceman.

This is a bog body from Ireland.

This is a mummy found in Korea.

This mummy from Peru was so well preserved that an eye was still intact.

These mummies from the Philippines were allowed to be put on display in order to raise awareness about their destruction from looters.

This smoke mummy from New Guinea stands guard in this village.

Here are two images of King Tutankhamen from Egypt,

one of the most famous mummies in the world. The

image to the right is a forensic reproduction of what he

might have looked like in life.

Mummies give us important clues about the

past. Many mummies have been destroyed

and their tombs looted by grave robbers.

Those mummies left behind offer a glimpse

into the lives of ancient peoples.

Now you are going to be detectives

and follow the mummy clues to

unlock the mysteries and secrets

about the mummy you choose to

research. Happy hunting!