‘Curiosity: I Was Mummified’ review: Discovery takes us to ancient Egypt and back
With Halloween just ten days away, it only seems appropriate for Discovery to air a special that is all about a scientific look at mummies; and no, not the kind that comes back to life or the ones you see in cartoons made of toilet paper. These are the real mummies from ancient Egypt, and the hour-long “Curiosity: I Was Mummified” airing at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Sunday night brings their techniques into the present.
If there is one thing that does make this episode so fantastic, it is the mere weight that comes with seeing something that we haven’t quite seen performed on television before. As we said previously with the “Plane Crash” special, this is clearly not something that is for everyone. It can be beyond uncomfortable to watch for those out there with a weak stomach; in this case, it is because you are looking at an actual dead body being preserved using what are believed to be the same techniques used thousands of years ago. These records were never fully stored in any documents, but the way in which Egyptians managed to reduce decay of their dead is something that is a continued marvel in the modern world.
What perhaps may be the most unnerving part of the mummification process is that the show allows you to get to know the man before the process is initiated, but from that point on it is strictly fascinating to watch. As per always with these specials the visuals are stunning and the narration is on point, and it does feel as though you are seeing something unique and important, even if you are not doing research to potentially save lives here as we saw happening during the “Plane Crash” special.
You can check out an additional preview of “I Was Mummified” below, and our final verdict is this: if you enjoy either the history of ancient Egypt or are just fascinated by embalming techniques, there is no better special for you to watch. Plus, it may still get you in the Halloween spirit even without any of the gimmicks.
TC
October 23, 2012 @ 2:05 pm
1. Towards the end of the show they had mentioned that his body will be kept for further studies so he won’t be buried.
2. I’m uncertain on the legality of preserving the dead but I’m not aware of any laws against it. As to religion, Jewish and Islam traditions require the body be buried immediately or as soon as possible. So I’d imagine that mummification is out of the question due to the time it requires to proces the body.
If the technique used in the show was correct, it’d take at least 35 days to subject the body to the salt bath and another 2 weeks to dry it afterwards. A total of close to 50 days.
Kathie
October 23, 2012 @ 12:12 pm
I was wondering two things. First, what will happen to the man so mummified? Will he be buried or will these techies keep a watch over him to make sure he is stable?
Secondly, I’d like to know if this form of preserving the dead is legal in the US, and if it is accepted by Christian, Jewish and Islamic religious tradition.
Thank you,
Kathie