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A Discovery Beneath the Church
In 1994, researchers exploring the Dominican church in Vác, Hungary, made an astonishing discovery—265 naturally mummified bodies, perfectly preserved in their wooden coffins. These mummies, dating back to the 18th century, were found in a crypt where cool, dry air and pine resin-lined coffins created the ideal conditions for natural preservation.
A Breakthrough in Tuberculosis Research
Among the most significant revelations from the Vác mummies was the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). Scientists extracted ancient DNA from the preserved tissues, tracing how the disease evolved over centuries. By comparing these historical TB strains to modern ones, researchers gained crucial insights into how the bacteria mutated, spread, and developed resistance—knowledge that continues to inform present-day medical research.
A Glimpse into 18th-Century Health
Beyond tuberculosis, the Vác mummies revealed other health conditions prevalent in the 18th century, including malnutrition, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. Their coffins, adorned with intricate designs and Latin inscriptions, also provided a deeper understanding of burial customs and social structures of the time.
The Vác mummies remain one of the most valuable archaeological finds for medical science, proving that even centuries-old remains can help unravel modern health mysteries.
