Mummies have been unearthed all over the world. It’ s common knowledge that mummies are often preserved by a form of embalming or through natural conditions—such as soil substances and climate that perfectly preserves a corpse. However, there are monks who voluntarily meditate for decades and as the years pass by, they become preserved as mummies. With these particular mummies, they’re preserved in such a perfect state and haven’t gone through the process of decomposition—even after 80+ years.
Mongolia: 200-Year-old ‘Meditating Mummy
A mummified man found on January 27, 2015 in Songinokhairkhan, Mongolia. The mummy was found sitting in the lotus position—a meditative pose. It’s believed that the mummy is about 200-years-old and was found covered in cattle skin. It’s believed that the mummy found is that of Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov. Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov was born in 1852 and was Buryat Buddhist Lama of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Italy: The mummies of Palermo catacombs
Capuchin monks of Palermo discovered naturally preserved bodies in the Capuchin Catacombs, located in Sicily, Italy. Among the mummies, was that of a 2-year-old girl named Rosalia Lombardo. Rosalia, also known as “Sleeping Beauty,” was placed in the catacombs when she died in 1920.
China: The beauty of Loulan
This woman died 3,800 years ago on the trade known as the Silk Road, in Loulan, located in western China. The woman and over 200 other mummies were preserved by the natural dryness and salty soil. Since these mummies were discovered in the Tarim Basin in China, the Chinese government has been reluctant to allow full access to the mummies because the mummies are caucasian—which affirms the claims of the local people—the Uyghur. The Uyghur look more like Europeans than Asians and claim they’re the original inhabitants of the area.
Greenland: The Mummies of Qilakitsoq
The little Inuit baby was discovered in Greenland and originally it was believed to be a doll. Soon after, they realized it was the body of a baby boy that might have died when he was about 6-months-old.
Denmark: Tollund man
It’s believed that this man was hanged as a a sacrifice to the gods. He was placed in a peat bog where he remained naturally preserved for more than 2 millennia. He looks like he’s sleeping. His expression is peaceful and calm.
China: The Lady of Dai Mummy
Lady of Dai, also known as the Diva Mummy, is one the best preserved mummies ever found. Objects found in her tomb suggests that she was a woman of importance and wealth. She has been preserved for 2,100-years, and was from the Western Han Dynasty.
Russia: Hambo Lama Itighelov
The body of Hambo Lama Itighelov—a spiritual leader of Russian Buddhists, was unearthed (upon his request before death) in 2002.
Egypt Unknown Man 'E'
The Screaming Man Over 100 years ago an unidentified mummy was found lying alongside some of the most famous pharaohs in Egyptian history but his face is locked in an eternal scream. What caused this mans haunting expression? Why wasn't he mummified according to custom? The Screaming Man, also known as "Unknown Man E," was discovered in 1881. He was buried near the Valley of the Kings alongside members of Egyptian royalty. Unknown Man E was found covered in a quicklime paste, unheard of in the Egyptian tradition, wrapped in a sheepskin -- an object considered unclean for ancient Egyptians - and bound at the wrist and ankle. The ancient Egyptians' process of mummification was carried out according to clearly defined routines and religious principles, in order to prepare the body for the next world. Chemicals were used to dry the body out, a process which could last as long as 40 days. Then the body was coated with oils, painted with melted resins, and finally wrapped tightly in linen. Unknown Man E was mummified but denied any of the protective magic which would allow him to reach the next world, and some scholars believe that this, together with the animal skin found on the mummy, may indicate an intentional attempt to damn this man. The transition to the afterlife was so perilous that the ancient Egyptians tried to equip themselves with as much magical protection as possible. The markings of the tomb walls were intended to assist or protect the deceased on his journey to the next world, and they were buried with The Book of the Dead, a collection of spells or magic formulas. Some believe that Unknown Man E was a disgraced royal prince, son of Ramses III, the last great pharaoh of the New Kingdom.