Have you ever heard the story of "Sleeping Beauty?" It is perhaps one of the most popular fairy tales there is. It has been rendered into various animated and movie version, the latest one to date is "Maleficent."
This story will somewhat remind the readers of the aforesaid tale.
Beneath the catacombs of Capuchin in Palermo, Sicily lies some of the best preserved mummies in the world. The one that has caught the attention of the world is a two-year old child by the name of Rosalia Lombardo, for her appearance seems far from dead at all!
Almost a hundred of years after her death, Rosalia Lombardo's remains are so beautifully preserved its as if she is only sleeping. Her remains rest in the chapel located at the end of catacombs. They are enclosed in a glass-top coffin placed above a bier.
Rosalia died of pneumonia during the 1920s.
Her body is so well-preserved that less than a hundred years after her death, it looks like she has fallen into a deep slumber.
General Mario Lombardo, Rosalia's father, was very devastated upon her young daughter's untimely demise.
In order to preserve her body, Mario sought the help of Alfredo Salafia, a chemistry professor, embalmer, and taxidermist. Salafia administered a method that allowed for the preservation of Rosalia's body, including her organs, which to this day, remain intact. Such a method were only uncovered recently after the discovery of his journals. For years, such a method remained a secret.
There are a manifold of cultures around the world that believe in life after death. The Egyptians, for instance, believe that the physical body is also admitted into the afterlife, thus the necessity to preserve its integrity through the process of mummification.
Rosalia is considered today as one of, if not, the most beautiful preserved mummy in the world.
Were you amazed at Rosalia's preserved body? Share with us your thoughts by commenting below.
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