Inside Egypt's 70 Million Animal Mummies

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Scientists uncovered a massive ancient Egyptian industry through 500 animal mummies at the British Museum, pointing to 70 million mummified animals.

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Hidden treasures emerged as X-rays revealed unexpected finds inside a massive crocodile mummy - digestive stones and a sacred cow's leg.

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We have no idea what is going on," admits British Museum's Marie Vandenbeusch about the scale of animal breeding and mummification.

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Animal mummies created a thriving economy - workers bred animals, embalmers preserved them, artisans crafted wrappings, and temples sold them.

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Exotic creatures like leopards and elephants lived in royal collections, while everyday Egyptians preserved their pets for the afterlife journey.

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Modern technology exposed centuries-old mysteries - many mummy labels held secrets different from their described contents.

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Ancient secrets will come alive at the British Museum's upcoming exhibition in late 2026.

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Religious practices and economic activities merged as Egyptians turned animal mummification into a flourishing trade.

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