The most amazing National Geographic photo since 1984

[titletownclown]

It is quite saddening to look at the little girl in the crypt and think of all the life she never got to see.

[Jim Schue]

I wonder if altitude plays a factor in preservation. Was it in the mountains of Sicily?

 

I would think that would have less of a factor than the general humidity of the area. Corpses preserve easier in dry weather/soil.

[Hatz]

I would think that would have less of a factor than the general humidity of the area. Corpses preserve easier in dry weather/soil.

 

Thanks for the input. :thumb:

[cch5432]

I would think that would have less of a factor than the general humidity of the area. Corpses preserve easier in dry weather/soil.

 

Creepy. BGP's music and corpse expert. :scared:

[covcathftball]

I can see why the new picture is so amazing but I don't understand why the one from 1984 is anything special. I find it hard to believe that there weren't any better pictures between now and then?

[Jim Schue]

Creepy. BGP's music and corpse expert. :scared:

 

I watch a LOT of History Channel, National Geographic Channel and Discovery. You pick up on certain things if you hear 'em enough times.

[KyTiger89]

I can see why the new picture is so amazing but I don't understand why the one from 1984 is anything special. I find it hard to believe that there weren't any better pictures between now and then?

 

I think it's an amazing photo, and has always been considered one of the best pictures in NG. It captures the fear in a young girl's eyes in a place where life was/is really tough.

[PureFan]

From the article:

 

No one knows exactly what started the mummification; probably by chance it was discovered that a body left in a crypt with a particular atmosphere of coolness and porous limestone would actually dry out rather than rot. Then a system was devised. The newly dead were laid in chambers, called strainers, on terra-cotta slats over drains, where their body fluids could seep away and the corpses slowly desiccate, like prosciutto. After eight months to a year, they'd be washed with vinegar, put back in their best clothes, and either placed in coffins or hung on the walls.

 

I would not want this job!

[sidelinedoc]

My question is why the Sicilian girl's body was exumed and photographed? Yes, it is remarkable to be in such wonderful shape.......but why?

[Birdsfan]

My question is why the Sicilian girl's body was exumed and photographed? Yes, it is remarkable to be in such wonderful shape.......but why?

From what I gather, the body was not buried. The casket was kept in the catacombs below the city.

[Birdsfan]

The newly dead were laid in chambers, called strainers, on terra-cotta slats over drains, where their body fluids could seep away and the corpses slowly desiccate, like prosciutto.

I'll never eat at Subway again! :eyeonyou: