A mummy discovered in the crypt of a historic church in St. Thomas am Blasenstein, Austria, has revealed a remarkable mummification technique dating back 300 years. Research shows that the body of the priest Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg was preserved using an unusual method, involving zinc chloride, wood chips, and twigs, which differs from any documented mummification technique.
The Mystery of the Mummy: The Air-Dried Chaplain
Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, who passed away in 1746, was buried in the crypt of the St. Thomas am Blasenstein church. Researchers discovered that the method used to preserve this mummy was quite unique. The body was filled through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs, and fabric, and treated with drying agents such as zinc chloride. This method stands out as an extraordinary approach to preventing decomposition.
The Mummification Method: Why and How?
Dr. Andreas Nerlich, who led the research, explained the technique used: “At that time, it was believed that diseases spread through bad air. The use of zinc chloride and other materials was likely connected to this belief. The goal was to prevent the priest’s body from decaying and to stop the spread of diseases.” Researchers think that this mummification method could have been a result of the widespread belief in the miasma theory, which was common during that era.
In-Depth Examinations and Technological Approaches
Advanced examinations revealed the incredible preservation of the upper body. CT scans, radiocarbon dating, and toxicological analyses showed that the preservation techniques applied to the body were surprisingly effective. While the head and legs showed significant decomposition, the torso remained remarkably intact. The materials found in the abdominal and pelvic regions absorbed fluids, facilitating the drying process.
Sidler’s Life and Health Conditions
Isotopic analysis provided important insights into Sidler’s life. The data revealed that Sidler had a rich diet, consuming high-quality food. However, it was also discovered that in his later years, he developed a smoking habit and suffered from tuberculosis, among other health issues.
The Uniqueness of the Method and Its Significance
This discovery not only sheds light on the history of mummification techniques but also prompts a re-evaluation of traditional beliefs surrounding death. Sidler’s body may have been initially prepared for transport, but for various reasons, this journey never took place, and the mummy remained in the crypt for many years. This finding provides an important window into early medical and burial practices.
The discovery underscores the diversity of mummification techniques and how different regions, depending on their health conditions and beliefs, approached such rituals in varied ways. Moreover, the use of modern technology has allowed researchers to gain deeper insights into ancient practices, offering a more comprehensive understanding of past processes.
Nerlich, A. G., Hofer, P., Panzer, S., Lehn, C., Wimmer, J., Nowak, O., Musshoff, F., & Peschel, O. K. (2025). The mystery of the “air-dried chaplain” solved: The life and “afterlife” of an unusual human mummy from eighteenth century Austria. Frontiers in Medicine, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1560050
Cover Image Credit: The mummy’s external appearance from the front (A) and back (B) showed no incisions on the body. Credit: Andreas Nerlich
