When people think of mummies, ancient Egyptian tombs and cursed pharaohs often come to mind. But few know that mummies were once a hot commodity in Europe—not for history, but as food, medicine, and even art supplies. This strange chapter of history, marked by Europeans eating mummies, is as fascinating as it is unsettling.
Let’s explore the eerie world of mummy mania and uncover why these bizarre practices became so popular.
“Mummies were not just relics of the past—they were medicine, art, and entertainment in the hands of the living.”
Why Did Europeans Eat Mummies?
Europeans began consuming mummies, known as “mummia,” in the Middle Ages, believing they held powerful medicinal properties. King Charles II of England famously drank a mix of mummy powder and wine to treat his seizures, though its effectiveness remains unknown.
Mummy Paint: The Art World’s Dark Secret
In the 16th and 17th centuries, artists ground mummies into “mummy brown,” a pigment prized for its unique hue. When artists discovered the paint was made from human remains, many were horrified, leading to its decline. Edward Burne-Jones even buried his tube in disgust.
Mummy Unwrapping Parties: A Macabre Social Event
In the 19th century, wealthy Europeans hosted mummy unwrapping parties, where ancient mummies were unwrapped layer by layer. These events, blending science and spectacle, showcased wealth but ignored the ethics of desecrating human remains.
“The line between reverence and exploitation blurred as mummies became a commodity, their secrets ground into powder and paint.”
The Beliefs Behind the Obsession:
Europeans’ obsession with mummies stemmed from superstition and fascination with ancient Egypt, seen as a land of mystery. They believed mummies held secrets of immortality, and consuming or using them could transfer ancient power to the living.
A Mysterious Legacy:
While the practices of eating mummies and using them in art have ended, their legacy lives on in paintings created with mummy brown. The countless mummies lost to history raise a haunting question: could some still be hidden in forgotten corners of Europe?
Conclusion:
The history of Europeans eating mummies, turning them into paint, and hosting unwrapping parties reveals humanity’s enduring fascination with the past. Though shocking today, these practices offer a glimpse into the beliefs of a bygone era. Next time you see a Renaissance painting or a mummy, remember their dark and mysterious journey.
“In the pursuit of immortality, Europeans consumed the dead, painted with their remains, and turned history into spectacle.”
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