Archaeology breakthrough as scientists find ‘world’s oldest mummies’ in Asia

The mummies were found in crouched or squatting positions (Image: PNAS)

Archaeologists have found mummies thought to be among the oldest in the world. They were discovered in southeast Asia and date back around 14,000 years.

The mummies, which predate Egyptian mummies by around 10,000 years, were unearthed throughout southern China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The individuals were found in crouched or squatting positions, with some evidence of burning.

They predate Egyptian mummies by around 10,000 years (Image: PNAS)

As reported by GB News, Professor Peter Bellwood, the co-author of the study, said: "We found that in southern China and southeast Asia, there were many archaeological sites that contain human burials that are between 4,000 and 14,000 years old."

The research showed that a number of the mummies were smoke-dried above fires. This process is still used by indigenous Australians and New Guinea Highlands populations.

A previous study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) analysed 54 burials across 11 sites. They discovered mummies on northern Chile, from around 7,000 years ago, and in ancient Egypt from around 4,500 years ago.

Dr Hsiao-chun Hung, one of the lead authors of the study, said: "We have gradually gathered multiple lines of evidence over many years. It's a bit like detective work - finding small clues, piecing them together, and growing increasingly confident in the hypothesis."

Discussing the process of mummification, Dr Hung added: "I believe this reflects something deeply human. The timeless wish that our loved ones might never leave us, but remain by our side forever."

One of the most notable discoveries was made at the Con Co Ngua site in Vietnam, where a total of 267 pre-Neolithic burials were found. The site appears to disprove claims that mummification started in Egypt.

Most of the bodies were found in squatting positions which would have required technical skill. The researchers say the specific positions shows a ritual significance in the ancient funeral practices.

The burial sites were found across southeast Asia (Image: /)