THE MUMMY CRAZE

For centuries, people consumed mummies believing they could cure illnesses. Known as Mumia, this by-product of mummified bodies was consumed by both rich and poor and was readily available in apothecary shops. Mumia was believed to have metaphysical medicinal properties and was prescribed as medicine for over 500 years, starting in the 12th century.

In the 16th century, when Egypt prohibited their export, European apothecaries started to sell fake products made from recently embalmed and dried bodies. This goes to show how profitable the business was despite being ineffective.