People started eating mummies primarily because of a belief that consuming them could cure diseases.
In medieval Europe, particularly by the 15th century, a peculiar practice emerged: using Egyptian mummies as a form of medicine. According to historical information, this practice stemmed from a series of misunderstandings and mistranslations.
It was believed that consuming embalmed bodies held medicinal properties capable of treating various ailments. This notion wasn't rooted in scientific understanding but rather in erroneous interpretations of ancient texts or practices, leading to the idea that the substances used in embalming, or the mummy itself, possessed curative powers.
The Perceived Benefits
For those living in 15th-century Europe, if they were feeling ill with conditions ranging from a simple headache or stomach ailment to more serious diseases like cancer, a potential remedy they might turn to was a preparation containing Egyptian mummy.
- Key Driver: The belief that consuming mummy could cure them of disease.
- Origin: A series of misunderstandings and mistranslations.
- Historical Context: Prominent in medieval Europe, notably by the 15th century.
- Treated Ailments: Headaches, stomach ailments, cancer, among others.
Essentially, the practice was a form of mummy medicine, born out of a misguided faith in its therapeutic benefits due to a complex history of translational errors and cultural misunderstandings regarding ancient embalming practices.
