Mystic Britain Season 1 Episode 6
Mystic Britain
Season 1

Ep 6. Mummies

  • TV-PG
  • June 4, 2019
  • 48 min
  •   (6)

In episode 6 of Mystic Britain, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the ancient practice of mummification and its significance in Britain's history. The hosts of the show, historian and broadcaster Alice Roberts and archaeologist Neil Oliver, visit various sites across the country to investigate the mummification process, the types of people who were mummified, and the beliefs and rituals associated with this practice.

The episode begins with the hosts visiting the British Museum in London to examine the Egyptian mummies on display. They explain the intricate and fascinating process of Egyptian mummification, which involved removing organs, preserving the body with oils and resins, and wrapping it in linen. The hosts then move beyond the Egyptian tradition to explore the lesser-known British method of mummification.

Roberts and Oliver visit the city of York, once a thriving Roman city, to learn about the Roman influence on British mummification. They meet with Dr. Angela Boyle, an archaeologist who has studied ancient human remains found in York. Boyle explains that the Roman tradition of burying the dead with items that they may need in the afterlife, such as jewelry and cooking utensils, was also practiced in Britain. The hosts then visit the ruins of a Roman villa near York, where they learn about the fascinating discovery of a mummified body buried in a lead coffin. They speak to experts who explain that the lead cocoon was used to prevent decay and preserve the body.

The hosts then travel to Scotland to learn about the preservation of the "bog bodies." These are ancient human remains that have been discovered in peat bogs throughout the country. The peat bogs provide a unique environment that preserves the bodies with incredible accuracy, including the skin, hair, and clothing. The hosts meet with Dr. Joyce Bruce, an expert in bog bodies, who explains the importance of these finds in understanding Britain's ancient people and their beliefs about the afterlife.

Finally, the hosts visit St. Bees Priory in Cumbria, England, to learn about the medieval practice of evisceration. This is the process of removing and preserving the internal organs of the body before burial. The hosts speak to experts who explain that evisceration was believed to be a way to prepare the body for the afterlife, as it was believed that the organs held significant spiritual power.

Throughout the episode, the hosts expertly weave together the stories of these different mummification traditions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this ancient practice in Britain. They draw connections between the different methods, highlight the similarities and differences in beliefs, and showcase the incredible advancements in preservation techniques over time. With stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, Mystic Britain season 1 episode 6 is a must-watch for anyone interested in the fascinating history of Britain's past.

Description
Watch Mystic Britain - Mummies (s1 e6) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Mystic Britain, Season 1 Episode 6, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian Channel. You can also buy, rent Mystic Britain on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    June 4, 2019
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    48 min
  • Language
    English