The World's Oldest Mummies May Originate from Southeast Asia, 12,000 Years Old
Discovery of the World’s Oldest Mummies Scientists have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest known mummies in the world, located in southeastern Asia. These ancient remains date back as far as 12,000 years, marking a significant discovery in the study of human history and cultural practices. Mummification is a process that prevents the decay of dead bodies by preserving them. This can occur naturally in certain environments, such as the arid sands of Chile's Atacama Desert or the peat bogs of Ireland, where conditions inhibit decomposition. Additionally, various human cultures have historically practiced mummification through embalming rituals, often to honor their ancestors or facilitate their journey to the afterlife. While Egypt's mummies are the most famous, it was previously thought that the oldest mummies were created by the Chinchorro people around 7,000 years ago in what is now Peru and Chile. However, a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the...