It is thought that about the middle of the fourth century B.C.E., Egyptians started to make abundant use of bitumen for mummification, although this belief is challenged by some experts.
On arvatud, et umbes neljanda sajandi keskpaiku e.m.a hakkasid egiptlased bituumenit laialdaselt kasutama mumifitseerimisel, kuid mõningad asjatundjad on selle kahtluse alla seadnud.