The wood of the 'Cedrus' was imported into Egypt, mainly from Syria. The first imports must have taken place in prehistoric times, as is proved by finds of cedar dating to this period. The Egyptians used cedar mainly in the temples, for example for the large wooden doors, the shrines holding the statues of the gods, and the divine barks which were carried by the priests during processions. It was also used for making large funerary objects, such as sarcophagi and shrines. Some funerary texts refer to the pleasant smell of the wood. Just as for the lotus, for example, the Egyptians believed that the scent of the wood could contribute to regeneration. In addition, if classical authors such as Herodotus and Diodorus are to be believed, cedar oil was used in mummification. According to one account the oil was injected into the body, another says it was used to anoint the body. Neither are correct, however: leaving aside the contradictions, it has turned out that the writers in question were referring to several different types of wood, especially 'Juniperus', as cedar.