People thought cannibalism was good for them. At a time when Europeans were obsessed with Egyptian mummies, the answer offers a glimpse into the zaniest parts of Europe's history.
The bandaged corpses of ancient Egyptians were the subject of fascination from the Middle Ages to the Victorians because of the belief that ground-up and tinctured human remains could cure a wide range of diseases.
People were driven to eat something that tasted awful because of their faith in mummies.
The product created from mummified bodies was used by the rich and poor for centuries and can be found in apothecaries.
By the 12th century apothecaries used ground up mummies for their healing powers. For the next 500 years, mummies were prescribed.
A jar used for storing mumia. (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY)
Doctors used skulls, bones and flesh to treat illnesses in a world without antibiotics.
Everyone was not sure. In 1564, Guy de la Fontaine saw mummies made from dead peasants in Alexandria. People could be tricked. They used to consume genuine ancient mummies.
There was a constant demand for dead bodies to be used in medicine and the supply of Egyptian mummies couldn't meet this.
In the 18th century, Apothecaries and herbalists continued to sell mummy medicines.
Old mummies were the best medicine. Doctors believed that fresh meat and blood could help the dead live longer.
Even the noblest of nobles were convinced by the fresh claim. King Charles II of England took medication from human skulls after he had a seizure.
Doctors claimed mumia was made from pharaohs and that eating mummies was a royally appropriate medicine. The royalty ate the royalty.
Victorians hosted "unwrapping parties" where Egyptian corpses would be unwrapped for entertainment at private parties.
Europeans were intrigued by Napoleon's first expedition into Egypt in 1798, and 19th century travelers were able to bring mummies back to Europe.
Private parties were held to unwrap mummies.
Unwrapping events had a veneer of medical respectability. The Royal College of Surgeons had a mummy unwrapped by a surgeon. This unwrapping was a public medical event that took place in public.
Medical research was lost soon. mummies were exciting by now The dinner host was rich enough to own an actual mummy.
People were drawn to these unwrappings because of the thrill of seeing dried flesh and bones. Audiences were appreciative of strong drink.
The examination of a mummy was done by Paulpoteaux. There is aWikimedia.
The 20th century started with mummy unwrapping parties. The destruction of archaeological remains seemed to be regrettable.
The discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb sparked a craze that shaped art Deco design in everything from the motifs of doors in the Chrysler Building to the shape of clock designs. The sudden death of Lord Carnarvon, who sponsored the Tutankhamen expedition, was attributed to a new superstition called the mummy's curse.
The first public unwrapping of a mummy in more than 100 years took place in 2016 at John J. Johnson's house. A recreation of what it was like to be present at a Victorian unwrapping was created by the artist.
It was tasteless with everything from the Bangles' Walk Like an Egyptian to straight gin being played.
The actor wrapped in bandages was the only person at the event. The fact that it took place at St Bart's Hospital in London was a reminder that mummies cross a lot of different things.
The black market of antiquity is worth about three billion dollars today.
A physician wouldn't recommend eating a mummy. The mummy is still attractive. They are still a commodity.
Marcus Harmes is a professor at the University of SouthernQueensland.
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