17th-Century Bishop's Remains Solve An Ancient Mystery

Mummification wasn’t limited to ancient Egypt. This practice has been recorded in numerous parts of the world, including the south of Sweden, where, in the 1600s, Bishop Peder Winstrup was preserved. Archaeologists gained major historical insights when they later studied his corpse, but they got more than they bargained for when they looked between his feet.

Exhuming the bishop

In Sweden, a group of Lund Cathedral officials exhumed Peder’s body because they wanted to move him to a new location. During the transfer, researchers seized the chance to x-ray and CT scan the bishop’s remains. The team discovered Peder was mummified and laid to rest on a fragrant herbal spread.

Herbal bed

Lemon balm, hyssop, juniper, and other aromatic plants were spread under Peder. Besides covering the odor of his decaying body, the plants may have prevented the onset of decay. The archaeological team isn’t completely sure of the process used to mummify Peder. They suspected he was stored in a cool, ventilated room after dying.

Successful person

In life, Peder was one of the founders of Lund University — which is currently ranked as one of the top 100 schools internationally. The school started educating students in 1666. Besides his work with the college, he was a scientist, theologian, avid collector, and scholar. 

Multiple diseases

Peder was named a bishop in 1638, keeping his position even when the region switched from Danish rulers to Swedes instead. He died in 1679. Thanks to the new body scans, researchers now know Peder suffered from gout, arthritis, gallstones, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.