Year 8 History Mystery - Human Remains

The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Teotihuacan: p.82-85

Mummies, whether they're preserved by people or nature, are a fascinating way to examine different cultures around the world. While most people know about mummies from ancient Egypt, the first mummies were made more than 7,000 years ago in South America. Anthropologists can only guess why, most likely because of a belief in life after death. Readers will be awed as they discover how different cultures perfected their mummification process. Well-chosen photographs and illustrations will reveal the incredible preserving powers of peat. Gruesome discoveries and even modern mummies are all highlighted in this book, which includes 100 facts about magnificent mummies.

Not all ancient bodies decompose and disappear. The Iceman died five thousand years ago. Today, his frozen body has become a murder mystery. Tollund Man was preserved by muddy soil packed with decaying plants. After three thousand years, Tutankhamun, the boy king of Egypt, was still wearing his crown, his body preserved on purpose. Colorful images and lively language provide an in-depth look at the lives and deaths of these fascinating mummies. Additionally, informative sidebars and a Further Reading section with current books and websites encourage further study.