The embalmed heart of Richard the Lionheart (1199 A.D.): a biological and anthropological analysis

Abstract

During the Middle Ages, the partition of the cadaver of the elite members was a current practice, with highly technical treatment given to symbolic organs such as the heart. Considered mostly from a theoretical point of view, this notion of dilaceratio corporis has never been biologically explored. To assess the exact kind of embalming reserved to the heart, we performed a full biomedical analysis of the mummified heart of the English King Richard I (1199 A.D.). Here we show among other aspects, that the organ has been embalmed using substances inspired by Biblical texts and practical necessities of desiccation. We found that the heart was deposed in linen, associated with myrtle, daisy, mint, frankincense, creosote, mercury and, possibly, lime. Furthermore, the goal of using such preservation materials was to allow long-term conservation of the tissues, and good-smelling similar to the one of the Christ (comparable to the odor of sanctity).

The heart of Blessed Anne-Madeleine Remuzat: a biomedical approach of “miraculous” heart conservation

“…The heart of Richard the Lionheart (died 1199) showed an embalming process where mercury, lime, plants (daisy, mint, myrtle), creosote, and incense played a role [16].…”

Paleopathology of soft tissues: what mummies can reveal

“…Thus, there have been many reports on paleopathological studies in mummies, but only a few have attracted intensive media coverage due to the importance of the subjects studied or the impact of the discoveries from a strictly scientific point of view. The exhaustive analysis of the Tyrolean man and the diseases affecting Tutankhamun and his possible cause of death [55,56] have been widely covered by the media and have attracted special attention to paleopathology. Likewise, the scientific studies of the mummified cardiac remains of Richard the Lionheart provided renewed interest in this famous monarch [57].…”

Plants and aromatics for embalming in Late Middle Ages and modern period: a synthesis of written sources and archaeobotanical data (France, Italy)

“…During the Early Middle Ages, the bodies of the Merovingian aristocrats were still treated with aromatics ("aromatibus conditum", for example in Grégoire de Tours, Libri septem miraculorum 7:35, 6th c.) but it is unclear if they were opened or not (Giesey 1960). Since the 9th century, embalming with evisceration is clearly mentioned for emperors, kings, ecclesiastics and some members of the nobility, but the available documentation do not allow to determine which techniques and substances were involved (Georges 2007;Corbineau 2014), apart from a few exceptions (Charlier et al 2013). Technical aspects of embalming are more accurately documented by written and archaeological sources from the late 13th century and throughout the modern period.…”

“…Technical aspects of embalming are more accurately documented by written and archaeological sources from the late 13th century and throughout the modern period. At the same time, embalming considerably spreads and becomes quite usual practice for aristocratic elites (Giesey 1960;Ariès 1977;Gaude-Ferragu 2005;Perez 2006;Bande 2009;Chrościcki et al 2012;Carol 2015).…”