In today's episode, we venture back to one of the most loved ancient civilisations, the Egyptians. How did we preserve human bodies for thousands of years? What did they use? And why did they have lovely black lines on their eyes?

References:

• Lucas, A. (1962). Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries. Edward Arnold Publishers. (The definitive, classic text on the material chemistry of ancient Egypt).

• Tapsoba, I., et al. (2010). Finding Out Why Ancient Egyptian Kohl Makeup Had Bactericidal and Therapeutic Properties. Analytical Chemistry, 82(2), 457-460. (The groundbreaking study revealing the lead-induced nitric oxide defense mechanism).

• Bickerstaffe, D. (2001). The Dehydration of the Dead: Natron and its Use in Mummification. Journal of Egyptian Archaeology. (Excellent analysis of the osmotic properties of Wadi El Natrun minerals).

• Evershed, R. P., et al. (1997). Chemical Composition of Organic Residues in Ancient Egyptian Mummies. Nature, 390, 661-662. (An analytical study utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to decode the natural polymers and resins used in wrapping).

Script writing, recording and editing done by me, Jake. Sound effects and backing music from Pixabay.

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