A team of researchers has uncovered the unique embalming technique that preserved an 18th-century mummy in Austria, providing insight into an unusual method of conservation. The discovery was published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine, highlighting the mummy’s remarkable state of preservation despite its age.
The mummy, known as the ‘air-dried chaplain,’ is housed in the crypt of the church of St. Thomas am Blasenstein in Upper Austria. Historians believe it belongs to Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, a vicar who died between 1730 and 1780. The researchers determined that the mummy’s condition was largely due to an exceptional embalming process.
The embalming involved a combination of zinc-chloride solution and copper, which helped preserve the body. Additionally, the mummy’s abdominal cavity was filled with various materials, including wood chips, twigs, and fabric. These materials were found to play a critical role in the preservation process. The study also noted that the mummy’s internal tissues were in excellent condition, while the facial and extremities were less preserved.
Further analysis of the mummy revealed that he likely suffered from tuberculosis and was a pipe smoker. Despite his relatively healthy lifestyle, the disease ultimately led to his death. The researchers also emphasized the significance of the embalming method, which appears to have been previously unknown in historical contexts.
The mummy’s discovery is part of an ongoing trend of well-preserved remains being studied in recent years. Other recent findings include a 2,000-year-old mummy in Italy and a 130,000-year-old baby mammoth in Russia. These discoveries continue to shed light on ancient preservation techniques and practices, offering valuable insights into historical and scientific studies.