Where did embalming originate?

Egypt.

The methods of embalming that the ancient Egyptians used is called mummification. Using special processes, the Egyptians removed all moisture from the body, leaving only a dried form that would not easily decay. They also removed all organs and stored them in canopic jars. It was important in their religion to preserve the dead body in as life-like a manner as possible, otherwise they may not be accepted in the afterlife.