Tours: Natron

Learn about the uses of natron, and how it was mined and farmed in ancient Egypt.

An Ancient SaltDessicating the BodyNatron MineInspiration

Bag of Natron from Tutankhamun's Embalming Cache

Natron is a colorless salt that was used by ancient Egyptians for food preservation, cleansing products and glassmaking. It was also used in the mummification process.

Mummy of a woman, 3rd century BCE

During the ceremonial embalmment ritual, the priests packed the body in natron in order to remove all of the moisture.

Once the body was thoroughly desiccated, they could begin the wrapping.

Natron Lakes

Natron was mined in Wadi Natron. The main mining methods involved either cutting slices out of the lakebed when it was dry, or raking through mineral-saturated water to gather the mineral salts during the floods.

Natron mines

(Behind the Scenes)

Both techniques are still used today, and inspired the team in their recreation of the mines located in the mountains northwest of Memphis.