Natron salt ancient egypt11/11/2023 ![]() ![]() Natron is a chemical salt (Na 2CO 3), which was used by the ancient Bronze Age societies in the eastern Mediterranean for a wide range of purposes, most importantly as an ingredient in making glass, and as a preservative used in making mummies. What was the use of natron in the Bronze Age? Moreover, when exposed to moisture, the carbonate in natron increases pH (raises alkalinity), which creates a hostile environment for bacteria. The mineral was used during mummification ceremonies in ancient Egypt because it absorbs water and behaves as a drying agent. Why was natron used in mummification ceremonies? ![]() It softens water while removing oil and grease. Blended with oil, it was an early form of soap. Historical natron was harvested directly as a salt mixture from dry lake beds in ancient Egypt, and has been used for thousands of years as a cleaning product for both the home and body. Why was natron important to the ancient Egyptians? Mummification is based on natron’s ability to absorb water and thus dry out a body. This mineral was mined as a powdery solid from dry lakebeds near the Nile and had many practical applications in Ancient Egypt. Natron is hydrated sodium carbonate with the formula Na2(CO3)10(H2O). This entire process took about two and a half months for those that could afford to embalm. The skin was coated with resin, then the body was wrapped in resin-coated linen bandages. Natron was stripped from the body’s skin after 40 days and the cavities were filled with items such as linen, herbs, sand, and sawdust. Eventually, the Ancient Egyptians progressed in their mummification process by removing the internal organs because they learned the internal organs would also decay quickly. The Ancient Egyptians would also place natron on the exterior surfaces of the body to help dry and preserve the body. Natron was used for medicine, cookery, agriculture, in glass-making and to dehydrate egyptian mummies. It was produced in Egypt, Middle East and Greece. ![]() Natron or native soda, a natural compound of sodium salts, was a very important product in ancient history. Why did the ancient Egyptians use natron? ![]()
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