Mummy’s Unique Embalming Method Revealed After Centuries

Historically, researchers have discovered the distinctive techniques used in the embalming process of a local parish vicar, Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg who died in 1746. This fascinating, historic, precedent-setting case is pulling a fast one 😱 ! At age 37, they found von Rosenegg’s remarkably preserved mummy. It had lain for hundreds of years in the church crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein.

Researchers, under the leadership of Dr. Andreas Nerlich also performed a full battery of clinical analysis, including partial autopsy and CT scans. Their research revealed some less sanguine news, that von Rosenegg’s body was embalmed via the anus. This was the first written account of such a weird embalming practice. The findings raise questions about the practices of the time and provide insight into the methods used to preserve bodies during that era.

Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg mostly consumed animal base products combined with Central European cultivated grain types. Evidence suggests this diet contributed to many of the ailments he suffered in old age. After performing an autopsy, researchers determined pulmonary tuberculosis was the most likely cause of Thompson’s death. For clues, the researchers looked for indicators of the disease in the mummified remains, such as evidence of severe bleeding in the lungs. Radiocarbon dating on one of his skin samples provides the most compelling evidence for his timeline. It means he must have died sometime himself between 1734 and 1780.

Aside from the hands and feet, the mummy’s upper body is in absolutely astonishing condition. Yet deep rot is evident on the front, lower legs, and feet. Dr. Nerlich emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, “This is the first case with this type of documented embalming.” The researchers further speculated about the reasons motivating such an unusual embalming practice. Perhaps the intent behind the performance was to prevent further transmission of disease. People thought it was due to miasma, which they referred to as “bad air.”

An alternative theory advanced is that von Rosenegg was embalmed for transport back to his native monastery of Waldhausen. This idea implies that preservation practices were not merely one-off acts. More often, they were caught up in a more general practice of how to deal with dead bodies back then.

It was here that Dr. Nerlich pointed out a fascinating detail of von Rosenegg’s lifestyle that could add further color to his otherwise wealth-fueled eminence. He remarked, “Both wearing pointy shoes and smoking [a] pipe are very typical for a priest at that time.” This cultural perspective sheds additional light on Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg. It illuminates, too, just how thoroughly he managed to integrate himself into the high society of his time.

Though acknowledging how specialized this case is, Dr. Nerlich was hesitant to make sweeping generalizations. He stated, “So we have no idea how often or where this has been performed, although we assume that this type of ‘short-term preservation’ was used much more often than we might expect from this single case.” Von Rosenegg’s method of embalming was exceptional even for the bizarre world of historical embalmers. This indicates that wholesale similar practices could have been much more widespread than we imagine.