In this engaging episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rageot, an esteemed archaeological chemist, for an intriguing discussion on his recent work unraveling the ancient practices of Egyptian embalming. The research focused on 31 ceramic vessels found at a Saqqara embalming workshop dating back to the 26th Dynasty. Dr.

Rageot enlightens us on how these vessels, labeled according to their content or usage, provided a unique opportunity to link specific organic substances to precise embalming practices. Using advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses, Dr. Rageot's team uncovered specific mixtures of fragrant or antiseptic oils, tars, and resins used for embalming the head and treating the wrappings.

The conversation then shifts to the fascinating discovery of non-local organic substances within these ancient vessels, su ...