Egyptian Mummies: Science Or Sacrilege?
A blockbuster exhibition at the British Museum unwraps the mysteries of 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies. Zoe Pilger is fascinated – but not sure they should be on show at all: ‘By cutting open the mummies, scholars and collectors destroyed the fragile layers of embalmment, arranged with care after death in order to ensure the person’s existence in the afterlife. For the ancient Egyptians, the protection of the body was paramount.’ But why should we respect ancient rules?
