First traces of European mummification techniques found
Archaeologists have discovered a French aristocratic family that mummified their relatives—the earliest evidence of the mysterious practice in Europe.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•07/07/2025
Until now, the practice of mummification has been considered a strange ritual mainly associated with ancient Egyptian or South American cultures. Photo: @ Clements Library. Now, during excavations at the Château des Milandes in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Dordogne, France, archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) have found clear evidence that the practice of mummification also exists in Europe. Photo: @Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).
specifically, experts found the carefully mummified remains of seven adults and five children of the noble Caumont family in a crypt, along with a female mummy buried separately, in the same area. Photo: @Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).
specifically, experts found the carefully mummified remains of seven adults and five children of the noble Caumont family in a crypt, along with a female mummy buried separately, in the same area. Photo: @Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). These evidences indicate that the embalming technique was used among European aristocrats in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the discovery will provide important insights into the earliest embalming methods in European history. Photo: @Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). According to Austrian archaeologist Caroline Partiot of the Academy of Sciences, the mummification practices discovered at the Château des Milandes indicate a tradition deeply rooted in the Caumont noble family, highlighting their high social status. The main purpose of this mummification was probably not only to preserve the body over time, but also to help preserve it when it was displayed during funeral ceremonies that lasted for many days. Photo: @Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).
Dear Readers, please watch the video : "Opening" the 3,000-year-old mummy of an Egyptian Pharaoh: "Shocking" real appearance and earth-shattering secrets. Video source: @VGT TV - Life.
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