Not only the powerful people in ancient times were mummified, archaeologists have also found ancient animal mummies in tombs or temples, serving for sacrifice.

In the annals of history, the art of mummification has long been associated with preserving the bodies of prominent rulers and influential figures, ensuring their eternal existence in the afterlife. Yet, recent archaeological discoveries have unveiled a captivating and lesser-known aspect of this ancient practice. Hidden within the depths of tombs and temples, a remarkable array of animal mummies has emerged, shedding light on a fascinating chapter of ancient civilizations.

One of the sheep heads discovered by archaeologists during excavations at Abydos, Egypt. Photo: Reuters

CNN quoted archaeologists from New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World as saying that at least 2,000 sheep-headed mummies date back to the Ptolemaic period and a magnificent structure of the Ancient Kingdom. was discovered at the temple of Ramses II, the ancient city of Abydos, southern Egypt.

A view of some 2,000 mummified sheep heads discovered during excavations at the temple of Ramses II in Abydos, Egypt. Photo: Reuters

Besides the ram’s head, mummies of sheep, dogs, wild goats, cows, antelopes and mongooses were also found in the temple. The mummies are believed to be votive offerings to pay homage to Pharaoh Ramses II some 1,000 years after his death, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities said.

Crocodile mummy was found in a tomb viewed from above. Photo: Insider

According to Insider, earlier this year, archaeologists also found 10 crocodile mummies contained in an ancient tomb. This tomb was found earlier in 2019 at Qubbet el-Hawa near the town of Aswan, southern Egypt.

An archaeologist dusts off a crocodile carcass. Photo: Insider

The leading theory is that the crocodiles were sacrificed to Sobek, the Nile god and of fertility in the form of a crocodile’s head.

No signs of slaughter were found on the crocodiles, but they were tied to death. Thanks to the ropes on the crocodile carcasses, archaeologists have identified the largest crocodile can be up to 12ft (more than 3.5m).

The picture taken from above of the most complete crocodile skeleton. Photo: Insider

Scientists even found a stomach stone (the type of stone crocodiles often carry in their intestines to keep their balance in the water). The stone was still intact, indicating that the intestines were not removed before the body was mummified.

However, this is a rather primitive form of mummification. The animals were not preserved in plastic and the internal organs were not removed. Their whole bodies are buried and marinated under hot sand.