Middlebury, VT’s West Cemetery is the final resting place of an Egyptian Prince’s Mummy
The last place you would ever expect to find a mummy is within the rolling hills of Vermont. Middlebury, VT’s West Cemetery is the final resting place of an Egyptian Mummy. This topic has sparked a wave of intrigue as experts try to uncover the origins of this ancient artifact.
Burial practices in ancient Egypt are well-documented, but how did this mummy end up in the heart of Vermont?
Could there be a connection between Egypt and this small New England town? As archaeologists delve into the details, they hope to shed light on the historical significance of this extraordinary discovery. The mummy’s journey to Middlebury remains a bit of a legend, but it has undoubtedly opened up a fascinating chapter in the history of this seemingly unrelated region. As we eagerly await the unveiling of new information, one thing is certain: this unexpected find has the potential to rewrite the history books and challenge our understanding of ancient civilizations.
This story’s origin starts in 1883 B.C., long before Vermont even existed
That ancient date, 1883 B.C., was when the young son of an Egyptian king, named Amun-Her-Khepesh-Ef passed away and was mummified for all of eternity. The mummy was the infant son of Sen Woset III, King of Egypt, and his wife Hathornhotpe.
How did an Egyptian mummy prince end up interred in a small town in Vermont?
Oddly enough, that is where the young mummy now rests in peace, Middlebury, VT. In October 1886, not long after his museum first opened to the public, collector Henry Sheldon paid $10 for the mummy of an Egyptian child, buying it from Edward Frossard, a New York coin and stamp dealer. He kept the mummy in his own house, along with a large collection of junk and trinkets (which eventually became a museum of sorts) until he died in 1907.
Final resting place for the son of an Egyptian King
The mummy was exposed to heat and cold, dry conditions and dampness. Its wrappings were decaying and the embalming process caused the body to begin decomposing. The thought of a person left to rot in a Vermont attic was appalling to George W. Mead, a Sheldon Museum trustee. Mead wanted to give the boy, believed to be linked to Egyptian royalty, a proper burial. So Mead had little Amun-Her Khepesh-Ef cremated and buried with his very own tombstone, within the Mead family plot.
The Egyptian prince’s grave stone is engraved with his name, the names of his royal parents and the date, 1883 B.C. In addition to the inscription, the stone carries three symbols, two of which are Egyptian for life and immortality. A Christian cross is inscribed between the two Egyptian symbols, perhaps reflecting the Christian burial services provided by the kindness of George Mead.
Uncovering the Origins of the Egyptian Mummy
Now, let’s dig deep and uncover the fascinating origins of that incredible Egyptian mummy buried right here in Middlebury, Vermont! The story of this mummy begins in ancient Egypt, a civilization known for its elaborate burial practices. Egyptians believed in an afterlife and mummification was an important part of their funeral rituals. It involved carefully preserving the body to ensure its journey to the afterlife.
Supposedly, a local junk dealer, named Henry Sheldon, purchased the mummy from a New York antique dealer in 1866. It is unclear how the mummy ended up in Middlebury specifically, but it is a testament to the global interest in Egyptian artifacts during that time. The mummy’s presence in Middlebury continues to intrigue and captivate both locals and visitors alike, shedding light on ancient Egyptian culture and burial practices.
The Real Journey: From a Pyramid at Dashur to a Vermont Attic
The story behind the mummy is stranger than any “traveling exhibition.” According to notes that traveled with it, the child was buried in the royal family’s pyramid at Dashur, Egypt, sometime around 1883 B.C. — until grave robbers plundered the tomb in the mid-1800s. The remains passed from Cairo to Spanish traders, then to dealers in Paris, where Edward Frossard bought them at auction before shipping them to his shop in New York. Sheldon, always looking to round out his growing collection of curiosities, bought the mummy sight unseen for $10 — and was so disappointed by its poor condition on arrival that he never once put it on display. In his own diary, he referred to it only as “his mummy girl.” It sat in his house, then his museum’s attic, until George Mead rediscovered it decades later and gave it the burial described above.
Examining the Burial Practices of Ancient Egypt
Examining the burial customs of ancient Egypt reveals fascinating insights into their funerary traditions. The Egyptians believed in the afterlife and took great care in preparing their deceased for eternity. The process of mummification was an intricate and precise art, involving the removal of internal organs, the use of natron to dry out the body, and the wrapping of the corpse in linen bandages.
The mummified body would then be placed in a wooden or stone sarcophagus, which was often elaborately decorated with hieroglyphics and symbols. The Egyptians also believed in the importance of preserving personal belongings for the afterlife, so tomb furnishings and burial goods were commonly included in the tombs. These practices demonstrate the Egyptians’ deep reverence for the dead and their belief in the continuity of life beyond death.
Shedding Light on the Historical Significance of the Discovery
As you delve into the historical significance of this intriguing discovery, you’ll uncover a captivating tale that illuminates the rich cultural exchange and connections between two seemingly disparate worlds. The discovery of an Egyptian mummy buried in Middlebury, Vermont sheds light on the surprising historical ties between ancient Egypt and this small New England town.
It challenges the commonly held notion that such connections were limited to major cities or institutions. This finding suggests a more extensive and nuanced network of cultural exchange that spanned continents and reached even the most unexpected corners of the world.
The presence of an Egyptian mummy in Vermont speaks to the curiosity and fascination with ancient civilizations that permeated society, even in remote locations. It underscores the universal appeal of Egypt’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any artifacts or burial items found with the mummy?
No artifacts or burial items have been found with the mummy.
What is the historical significance of this discovery for both Egypt and Vermont?
The historical significance of this discovery for both Egypt and Vermont lies in uncovering the cultural exchange and global connections of ancient civilizations, highlighting the far-reaching impact of Egyptian civilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the discovery of an Egyptian mummy buried in Middlebury, Vermont has shed light on the origins and burial practices of ancient Egypt. This remarkable find has sparked investigations into possible connections between Egypt and Vermont, uncovering a fascinating historical significance.
The journey of the mummy to Vermont has left researchers intrigued and eager to continue unraveling the mystery behind this extraordinary find. It serves as a reminder of the rich and interconnected history of civilizations across the globe.
