The Mummified Cat Craze: How 180,000 Cats Made Their Way to England

In 1890, Liverpool, England, became the unexpected destination for a staggering shipment of 19.5 tons of mummified cats. This peculiar event is a testament to the fascinating, and often bizarre, relationship between ancient Egyptian culture and Victorian-era curiosities. The story begins in Egypt, where a vast cat cemetery was uncovered, leading to a chain of events that would bring these mummified remains to England.

The Discovery of the Cat Cemetery

In the summer of 1888, an Egyptian farmer digging near the village of Beni Hassan, situated on the east side of the Nile, stumbled upon an extensive cemetery filled with mummified cats. This area, close to a temple dedicated to the local goddess Bastet, was known for its historical significance. In ancient Egypt, animals, particularly cats, were deeply revered, often associated with specific deities. The worship of these gods led to the creation of animal cults, where people would pay for animals to be mummified and buried as offerings.

Cats were especially significant in Egyptian society, symbolizing protection, fertility, and motherhood. Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and domesticity, was often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness. The reverence for cats was so profound that harming or killing one, even accidentally, could result in severe punishment.

The Rise of the Mummified Cats Trade

The discovery of the cat cemetery in 1888 marked the beginning of a commercial exploitation of ancient mummified animals. Rather than preserving these archaeological treasures, the best-preserved mummies were sold to tourists and antiquities dealers. The demand for mummified animals grew, not only as curiosities but also as components in various industries. For instance, the bones of mummified animals, rich in calcium phosphate, were sought after as fertilizer, and the linen used for wrapping mummies became a valuable resource in the textile and paper industries.

As the market for these mummies flourished, the farmers and merchants involved in the trade began stripping the mummies of their linen wrappings and separating the flesh from the bones. The resulting products were packaged and sold to merchants, including one from Alexandria who was instrumental in transporting the mummies to Europe. The sheer volume of cats being exported was astonishing—estimates suggest that around 180,000 mummified cats were shipped to England in this period.

The Arrival in Liverpool

The steamship Fos carried the massive cargo of unwrapped mummified cats from Alexandria to Liverpool, creating a spectacle upon arrival. Liverpool was a bustling port city at the time, and the auction of the cat mummies drew significant public interest. Local fertilizer merchants were particularly intrigued, envisioning the potential uses for the remains. The cats were auctioned off, with some sold for fertilizer and others repurposed as bizarre novelties.

The local media caught wind of the event, with publications like Punch magazine featuring satirical cartoons that depicted the absurdity of the situation. The phenomenon of mummified cats captured the public imagination, leading to a mix of fascination and horror as people grappled with the implications of such a macabre trade.

Preservation and Museum Displays

Interestingly, not all of the mummified cats were destined for the fields as fertilizer. A number of them were donated to Liverpool’s museums, where they became part of the collection of ancient artifacts. These cats, unlike the unwrapped mummies auctioned off for commercial purposes, were preserved in their original state, albeit with some damage due to the shipping process.

Today, the mummified cats on display in museums differ significantly from typical depictions of mummies. The unwrapped specimens show a more gruesome reality, with missing limbs and exposed teeth, presenting a stark contrast to the romanticized view of mummification often portrayed in popular culture.

Ongoing Archaeological Discoveries

The fascination with mummified animals did not end with the Victorian era. Even today, archaeologists continue to unearth mummified animals in Egypt, revealing the rich tapestry of ancient religious practices. Current excavations, including ongoing projects led by Cardiff University at the site of Saqqara, are unearthing millions of mummified animals, including jackals and other creatures sacred to various Egyptian deities.

These discoveries offer insight into the ancient Egyptian worldview, their religious beliefs, and the practices surrounding animal mummification. Each excavation not only adds to our understanding of ancient customs but also helps to preserve the legacy of these animals and the people who revered them.

Ethical Considerations and Modern Perspectives

The story of the mummified cats also raises important ethical questions regarding the treatment of archaeological finds. In the 19th century, the commercial exploitation of mummies reflected a vastly different attitude toward historical artifacts compared to today’s perspective, which emphasizes preservation and respect for cultural heritage. Modern archaeology aims to balance the interests of tourism, education, and preservation, ensuring that artifacts are treated with the dignity they deserve.

As excavations continue and new discoveries are made, the importance of ethical considerations in archaeology becomes increasingly evident. The stories of ancient animals, once seen as mere commodities, are now recognized as vital links to our past, offering a more nuanced understanding of ancient cultures and their beliefs.

Conclusion

The journey of 180,000 mummified cats from Egypt to England is a fascinating tale of discovery, commercialization, and the shifting perspectives on cultural heritage. While the Victorian fascination with mummies may seem bizarre today, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the ways in which ancient societies interacted with the natural world.

As we continue to explore the remnants of ancient civilizations, we must strive to honor the traditions and beliefs of those who came before us, ensuring that their stories—whether they belong to humans or their beloved pets—are told with respect and integrity. The mummified cats, once seen as curiosities, now stand as powerful symbols of the rich tapestry of life in ancient Egypt, inviting us to delve deeper into the mysteries of our shared past.