Aristocratic Embalming Practices Discovered at Château des Milandes!
Recent findings at Château des Milandes, located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Dordogne, France, have shed light on embalming traditions in early modern Europe. Often associated with ancient Egypt or South American cultures, embalming was also practised by aristocratic families in Europe to reflect their elevated status. Researchers from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) have confirmed the embalming of several members of the noble Caumont family, who lived during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Photo Credit: M. Bessou/CNRS UMR
The First Evidence of Familial Embalming in Europe
The Caumont family crypt revealed remains of seven adults, five children, and an elderly woman, all of whom were embalmed. This marks the first documented instance of embalming being applied across an entire family, regardless of age or gender, in Europe. Caroline Partiot, a researcher at the Austrian Archaeological Institute of ÖAW, highlighted that this practice underscored the family’s noble lineage. As she explained: “The application of embalming to family members, regardless of age at death and gender, also reflects the acquisition of status through birth.”
Unlike ancient Egyptian mummification, which aimed at long-term preservation, European embalming during this period focused on ceremonial purposes. It allowed the deceased to be displayed during elaborate funerals and ensured they remained presentable during such events.
The Embalming Process: Precision and Tradition
Analysis of the remains revealed a highly standardised and meticulous embalming process. Archaeologists reconstructed an almost complete skeleton from fragments and identified precise cut marks on the bones. The process involved removing the skin, including from extremities like the fingertips and toes, and extracting internal organs, including the brain. These cavities were then filled with balsamic and aromatic substances to delay decomposition.
These methods mirror those described by Pierre Dionis, a prominent French surgeon of the early 18th century. In 1708, Dionis documented similar practices during an autopsy in Marseille, reflecting the deep-rooted medical knowledge passed down through generations.
Photo Credit: C. Partiot et al., Sci Rep (2024), CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
A Rare Practice in European History
The discovery of embalming traditions applied to an entire family, including children, is exceptional in Europe’s archaeological record. Previously, the Medici family of 15th-century Italy was the only known example of a similar practice. The findings at Château des Milandes, therefore, offer a unique glimpse into the lives and death rituals of European aristocracy.
The Château des Milandes crypt was first uncovered in 2017, revealing scattered skeletal remains. Further excavations in 2021 brought to light the grave of an elderly woman buried separately from the main crypt. This discovery suggests that the Caumont family maintained their embalming tradition for at least two centuries. As Partiot remarked: “It is remarkable that this tradition lasted for at least two centuries.”
Photo Credit: C. Partiot et al., Sci Rep (2024), CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Historical Context of Château des Milandes
Built in the late 15th century by François de Caumont, the château later became the residence of iconic entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker, who lived there from 1947 to 1968. Today, the château stands as a symbol of both its illustrious past and the scientific revelations it continues to yield.
The findings, published in Nature, emphasise the ceremonial significance of embalming in early modern France. Unlike its Egyptian counterpart, European embalming focused on temporary preservation to facilitate transportation and public display. This discovery enriches our understanding of the social and cultural practices of European aristocracy, revealing how families like the Caumonts sought to underline their status through rituals in both life and death.
The Château des Milandes, with its rich history and unique archaeological significance, continues to captivate historians and visitors alike, offering a window into the fascinating traditions of Europe’s noble past.