For ages and voracious times, man has been preserving the bodies of the dead. Mummies are the preserved dead bodies of humans or animals, through the removal of internal organs, and wrapped in bandages. These mummies are priceless possessions of history and have paved the way for some of the most incredible discoveries along with them. From world leaders to family members, here are some of the most famous mummies from around the world.
Most Famous Mummies To know
1. Napoleon Bonaparte, France
One of the most famous mummies from across the globe is that of Napoleon Bonaparte of France. Unlike other legendary rulers, his body was preserved for years. Two days following his death, a cast was taken off his head and his body was preserved in a coffin made of three outer layers of wood, lead, and mahogany respectively. This coffin was then placed in a sarcophagus and displayed in Les Invalides in Paris.
2. St Bernadette, France
St Bernadette was a generous and humble French nun. It was believed she had the visions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is one of the famous mummies. In 1879 after her death, members from the community closely observed that the decomposition process of her post her death was abnormally slow. They perceived this phenomenon as a miracle. Later, wax casts were made of her hands and face and placed over the body which can be viewed on display at the Chapel of St. Bernadette in Nevers.
3. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh was one of the most reputed and highly revered leaders of Vietnam. He led the Viet Minh Independence Movement. In 1969 post his death, the Vietnamese capital was named Ho Chi Minh City, and a colossal mausoleum was built in Hanoi. His body continues to remain on display like numerous other community heads and leaders. His body preservation became one of the most famous mummies.
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4. Rosalia Lombardo, Italy
Rosalia Lombardo was the little girl who died just before her very second birthday in 1920. In her sad demise, her heartbroken father wished to preserve her dead body. The fact that her body is still so well preserved is the reason why some people say she looks like she’s asleep. She is also among the few famous mummies. Her preserved body is displayed and can be seen in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo in Sicily even today.
5. Lady Dai (Xin Zhui), China
This Han Dynasty mummy is of Xin Zhui, the wife of Li Chang, the Marquis of Dai. She was a noblewoman who lived an extravagant and extraordinary lifestyle. She gained momentum and immense popularity for around 2000 years after her death. Her tomb was discovered in 1971. Her body is preserved in a good condition to date and is one of the most famous mummies.
It is preserved so well that even her muscles enable her arms and legs to flex at joints. Her tomb discovery and preservation is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century in archeology. Her body is displayed at the Hunan Provincial Museum.
6. Tutankhamun, Egypt
King Tut is also one of the few famous mummies in the world. His remains were discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. Full of priceless treasures, the discovery of his tomb led to a new interest in that of Ancient Egypt.
King Tut reigned his empire for nearly 10 years between 1332 to 1323 BC during the 18th dynasty. His tomb and preservation have become an iconic discovery and symbolize the history of ancient Egypt. His body is put up for display at the Valley Of Kings in Egypt, his funerary items are displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and some other museums around the world.
The Bottom Line
These are some of the most famous mummies worth a visit. They have been preserved so well to date and are historical assets. Some other famous mummies around the world also include Hatshepsut of Egypt, Mummy Juanita of Peru, Ramses II of Egypt. These are some of the most extraordinary discoveries in history and for the world to know of.
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