True intentional mummification in ancient Egypt began around the Old Kingdom, specifically during the Third Dynasty, which was around 2600 BCE. The first evidence of deliberate mummification is seen in the high-quality burial of Pharaoh Djoser's adviser, Imhotep, at the Step Pyramid complex in Saqqara. However, the practice became more widespread and refined during the Middle Kingdom and remained a prominent part of Egyptian culture throughout the New Kingdom and beyond.
