Natural mummifications in Castile & Leon (Spain)

The study of mummified bodies is of great interest because, on many occasions, clothing, utensils and documents are also found that provide additional information about the individual. In recent years, two disciplines have considerably advanced the study of mummified bodies: imaging via multislice CT scans (computed tomography) and genetic techniques, which are becoming increasingly accurate. Multislice CT is a non-invasive technique that provides 3D reconstructions and views of the inside of a body without dissection, conditions that tend to be required by archaeologists and museums. On the other hand, new genetic techniques enable analysis using minimal amounts of tissue, also avoiding any alteration to the body. The bodies studied have all been naturally mummified and still have much of their skin, hair, nails, muscles and viscera. Sometimes there is evidence of attempts to preserve certain uncovered areas, such as the face. In addition to an anthropological study, analyses have also been carried out by historians, physicists, geneticists, restorers, radiologists and pathologists, enhancing the findings and providing a global view of the individual and their context.