Evidence Found of the Only Known Family Practice of Pong-Term Embalming in Early Modern France

A team of bioarchaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute, Université de Bordeaux, and Aix-Marseille Université has uncovered evidence of an aristocratic family in France embalming their deceased loved ones for nearly two centuries. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, mark the first discovery of its kind.

While embalming practices have been documented in Ancient Egypt and parts of South America, this new research reveals similar methods used by a French aristocratic family from the early 16th to the late 17th century.

The researchers found that the embalmers’ goal was not long-term preservation, but rather to maintain the bodies long enough for proper burial ceremonies.

Study of Skeletal Remains Reveals Unique Embalming Practices at Château des Milandes

However, The researchers studied the skeletal remains of 12 individuals buried in a shared crypt at Château des Milandes, which had been used by the Caumont family for nearly two centuries. In fact, they discovered around 2,000 bone fragments, belonging to seven adults and five children, all of whom had been embalmed in a similar manner.

Organ Removal and Aromatic Treatment

The researchers discovered that the embalming process involved removing all internal organs, including the brain, with the skulls being cleanly sliced open for later replacement. The body was then thoroughly washed and filled with an embalming mixture of balsam and other aromatic substances.

Moreover, the team observed that this method closely matched the description provided by French surgeon Pierre Dionis in his 1708 autopsy manual. They also noted that the same embalming technique was applied to both children and adults, and had been passed down through generations.

To conclude, this find is the first of its kind, as repeated embalming of family members is rare worldwide. However, the researchers suggest that the long-standing practice indicates the Caumont family’s wealth and high social status.

Read the original article on: Phys Org

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