Earthly Remains: The History and Science of Preserved Human Bodies

The preserved remains of other human beings hold a special fascination for the living. "Earthly Remains" explores the science and history behind such phenomena and examines cases ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to 20th-century politicians, from Iron Age bog bodies to the extraordinary finds at Pompeii. After explaining the scientific processes of decay, the authors move on to discuss the bog bodies of northern Europe, including the famous Lindow Man and several Danish examples, many of which were found mutilated or handicapped. How and why these bodies ended up in bogs is discussed by the authors, the possibilities ranging from accident to murder to ancient sacrificial rituals. They then turn their attention to one of the oldest methods of preservation - mummification - looking not only at famous ancient Egyptian examples, but also at the earliest known mummies of the Chinchorro people from South America. The preservation of bodies as a result of environmental factors such as freezing is also addressed. The authors examine examples such as the astonishing 5000-year-old Tyrolean ice man, frozen together with his clothing, food and tools, and with the tattoo marks on his skin still visible. They also describe the discovery of bodies preserved in outline form, such as those of Pompeii and Sutton Hoo, and the painstaking scientific processes involved in unearthing and interpreting such finds. Finally, this study would not be complete without a look at modern preservation methods and humanity's perennial search for immortality through techniques such as cryonics, cloning, DNA and suspended animation. Extensively illustrated with the haunting images of many of the cases discussed, "Earthly Remains" is a compelling book that should appeal to everyone's sense of mystery in the history and origins of our ancestors.