Ancient Egyptians likely removed the brain during mummification by scrambling and liquefying it before pouring it out through the nose.
While many believe the brain was removed by pulling out solid pieces through the nose, expert opinion, supported by experiments, suggests a more efficient method was used. Embalmers probably utilized long, slender hooks to break up the brain tissue inside the skull.
The Scrambling Method
This process involved inserting a hook-like instrument through the nostrils. Instead of pulling out chunks, the tool was used to:
- Scramble the brain: Agitate and break down the brain tissue into a semi-liquid state.
- Liquefy the contents: Turn the scrambled brain into a substance that could be easily removed.
Once the brain was sufficiently liquefied, it could then be drained or poured out through the nasal cavity, leaving the skull empty. This method was likely considered much easier and more practical than attempting to extract solid brain tissue.
Comparing Methods
Here's a simple comparison of the often-believed method versus the expert-suggested method:
| Method Name | Technique | Tool Used? | Expert Opinion/Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Belief | Pulling out solid chunks of brain tissue | Hooks | Less likely |
| Expert Suggestion | Scrambling and liquefying the brain tissue | Hooks | More likely, easier |
This "scrambling" technique is now considered the more probable method used by ancient Egyptian embalmers for brain removal.
