Which civilization is credited with the discovery of embalming?

The civilization credited with the discovery of embalming is the Egyptians. This practice emerged from their religious beliefs regarding the afterlife and the preservation of the body for the journey beyond death. The Egyptians developed sophisticated techniques to preserve the deceased, which not only involved the use of natron—a naturally occurring salt—but also included the removal of internal organs and the application of various oils and resins. These methods were meticulously carried out to ensure that the body remained intact, reflecting their emphasis on the afterlife and the importance of burial rituals in their culture.

Their advanced approach to embalming laid the groundwork for later mortuary practices, influencing various cultures throughout history. The Egyptians saw the preservation of the body as crucial for ensuring the deceased's survival in the afterlife, which drove the intricate and elaborate processes still studied in funeral service education today.