What was a major contributing factor to the evolution of embalming techniques?

A major contributing factor to the evolution of embalming techniques relates closely to military necessity. Throughout history, large-scale conflicts often resulted in the need to transport deceased soldiers over long distances, sometimes back to their homes for burial. This situation prompted the development and refinement of embalming methods to preserve bodies during transit and delay decomposition. The urgency created by the realities of war and the prioritization of returning fallen soldiers to their families led to innovative techniques aimed at enhancing the preservation process.

While religious rituals, medical advancements, and cultural practices have all played roles in the development of embalming, it was the pressing demands of military contexts that significantly accelerated the advancements in this field. For instance, during the American Civil War, the high number of deaths and the need to transport bodies spurred notable improvements in embalming practices, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of these techniques.