Decomposition is the natural and most common process that occurs to dead bodies of organisms that have recently died, but under very ideal circumstances it is possible to prevent decomposition. In 1999, in the Andes, near the summit of Llullaillaco Mountain located in Argentina, three Inca mummies were found to be buried. The mummies, also referred to as the Children of Llullaillaco, were unlike the typical conception of other mummies, considering they looked as though they were just sleeping, they were remarkably well preserved. Later deduced, the Children of Llullaillaco were said to be between the ages of 7-13 and died of human sacrifice which was spiritual and traditional ceremony within the Inca Empire. Well preserved mummies have been discovered and retrieved before, but this trio allowed for a deeper scientific analysis of genetic and physical components.
Natural mummification can occur in nature, as it did for the three Inca children over the course of 500 years. However, the discovery of preserved and mummified bodies is not common and it is very rare that mummies are found in such perfect condition. This is because certain conditions surrounding the bodies are required. The Inca Mummies’ bodies were able to be so perfectly preserved because of the cold and dry environment they were buried in. The harsh climate of the summit of Llullaillaco Mountain in Argentina prevented the growth of any insects or bacteria which resulted in the absence of decomposition. Everything was frozen in place, cells were prevented from decaying, it is almost as though time stopped. When the mummies were retrieved, archeologists commented that they were in similar to the condition as if they had just died.
Dr. Emma Brown from the University of Bradford states, “The preservation is phenomenal – they’ve been called the best preserved mummies in the world.” As a result of this astonishing natural preservation, the organs, blood, cells and even the last meal was still present in the large intestine of the 13 year old Inca mummy.
Complete preservation of the these three bodies provides an insight on past civilizations and further investigative research opportunities by conducting tests in regard to their DNA composition, health and diet. The Llullaillaco Children were so well preserved when archaeologist found them, there was still blood in their lungs and heart. A similar discovery was made several years earlier in 1985, when the mummy of a young boy found on Aconcagua Mountain, Argentina. A sample of DNA was extracted from the boy’s lungs and compared the genetic coding with samples held in a genetic database. His entire mitochondrial genome was extracted meaning, solely the genes passed down by his mother were sequenced. The use of genetic sequencing techniques led to the deduction that his genome belonged to an unidentified native group from South America and only four other modern day people belong to the same group with similar DNA.
The isotopic composition can also be analyzed to track the last few months leading up to the Inca mummies deaths. A sample of hair was taken from the Inca children and the ratios of carbon and nitrogen isotopes were found to determine their eating. The carbon ratio indicated their consumption of plants while the nitrogen ratio indicated meat consumption.
When I first learned about this discovery in history class, I found it of great interest. My love for both history and science compelled me to research further. The idea that the environmental conditions preserved these bodies in such great condition that their genetic material could be sequenced and analyzed with our modern biotechnology today is astounding. The cross between the fields of history and biology is very important in situations like these, in which each field benefit the other. Through the use of biological techniques and understandings it allows us to improve and gain knowledge about our past civilizations and their genetic composition.
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