The first step in mummification was to remove the internal organs through a cut in the side. The heart – thought to be the seat of intelligence and the life force – was kept in place but the brain was hooked out through the nose and thrown away. The remaining organs were stored in canopic jars.

Next, the corpse was packed and covered with dry natron, a kind of salt, and left to dehydrate for 40 days. Then it was packed with resin-soaked linen, natron and aromatics and the body cavities blocked.

Finally, it was coated in resin and bandaged, with priests placing amulets between the layers. The whole process - accompanied by elaborate spells and prayers – took around 70 days but preserved bodies for thousands of years.