Horizon Season 2015 Episode 4 70 Million Animal Mummies: Egypt's Dark Secret

In the Horizon season 2015 episode 4, titled "70 Million Animal Mummies: Egypt's Dark Secret," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the mysterious world of ancient Egypt's animal mummies. The episode starts by highlighting the fact that the ancient Egyptians were known for their love of animals and how they were an integral part of their daily lives. Various animals, including cats, dogs, baboons, bulls, and even crocodiles, were worshipped by the Egyptians and were considered to be sacred beings.

As the episode progresses, the narrator talks about how it was common practice for the Egyptians to mummify their beloved pets, either by burying them in special coffins or by wrapping them in linen. The mummification process was carried out with the same level of care and attention to detail as that reserved for the human dead. The episode then takes us to Egypt's catacombs, where we witness the staggering numbers of animal mummies that have been discovered over the years. These catacombs are home to an estimated 70 million animal mummies, and we learn about the sheer scale of the mummification industry in ancient Egypt.

The episode then delves deeper into the reasons behind this massive production of animal mummies. We learn that the ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of the afterlife, and they believed that by mummifying their pets, they would be able to accompany them into the afterlife. The episode also highlights the role of animal mummies in religious offerings, which were made to the gods in order to appease them and seek their favor. The discovery of animal mummies in large quantities made researchers and archaeologists rethink their view that these mummies were merely offerings to the gods, but had a greater purpose.

The episode then takes a look at the challenges faced by researchers and archaeologists in studying these mummies. The vast number of animal mummies and their delicate state after thousands of years meant that conducting research was difficult. New technological breakthroughs were introduced and archaeologists and researchers were able to study the animal mummies closely, and scans revealed what the mummies contained inside- the animals were not always what people thought they were.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Egyptian desert, the catacombs, and the different types of animal mummies that have been discovered. Scientists and researchers share their insights into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices, and the episode concludes with the thought that these animal mummies offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Overall, "70 Million Animal Mummies: Egypt's Dark Secret" is a fascinating episode that sheds new light on the ancient Egyptians and their love for animals. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in history, science, and ancient civilizations.