Based on ancient practices, the heart was intentionally left inside the body because it was believed to be the source of thought.
The Importance of the Heart
In certain ancient cultures, particularly ancient Egypt during mummification, the removal of organs was a crucial part of preserving the body for the afterlife. However, not all organs were treated equally. While organs like the liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines were typically removed, preserved, and stored separately (often in canopic jars), the heart held a unique status.
Why the Heart Stayed
According to historical accounts of these embalming processes:
- The heart was believed to be the source of thought. This made it essential to keep it within the body for the deceased's journey and judgment in the afterlife.
- Unlike other organs removed, the heart was seen as the seat of intelligence, memory, and personality.
The provided reference specifically states: "The heart, believed to be the source of thought, was left inside the body."
After the removal of other organs, the process continued with steps like:
- Rinsing the body with wine to cleanse and disinfect.
- Covering the body with natron (a type of natural salt) to dry it out over a period of time.
This process ensured the preservation of the body, with the vital heart retained based on deeply held beliefs about its significance.
Understanding the cultural and religious beliefs of the time is key to grasping why the heart remained while other organs were removed. It wasn't an oversight, but a deliberate choice driven by the conviction that the heart was the core of the individual's being.