When the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead they were trying to stop time, to preserve the body so well that it would last throughout eternity.They succeeded (sometimes). There are mummies that when we look at their faces today it’s as if they’re about to wake up and say hello.How did they do it? What chemicals were involved? How many mummies even are there?We speak to Egyptologist Salima Ikram. Salima works to unpick the mysteries of mummification both by analysing ancient mummies and by having a go at making some new ones herself!This episode was produced by Emily Whalley and Freddy Chick The senior producer is Charlotte Long Edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan For more History Hit content, subscribe to our newsletters here. If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts, and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.