Unwrapping ancient Egyptian chemistry

2022 marks the centenary of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Of all the sciences, chemistry is the one with which ancient Egyptians are most closely associated. It’s certainly true that the ancient Egyptians became skilled in the chemical arts. The use of chemistry was widespread, but its connection to religious ritual was central, with metallurgists, perfumers and dyers working just outside temples, according to ritual rules. 

At the core of the chemists’ skill set is synthesis, and the ancient Egyptians were the first civilisation to synthesize an inorganic pigment – Egyptian blue. They also made synthetic lead pigments for use in eye make-up. The chemical processes involved in mummifaction made use of organic resins and inorganic minerals such as natron (mainly hydrated sodium carbonate).