Franz Xaver Sidler, an 18th-century parish vicar, died in 1746 at the age of 37 from tuberculosis. His final resting place became St. Thomas, where he achieved Chapeau d’arair ahnris notoriety as a local legend, the “air-dried chaplain.” In recent years, scientists have discovered the extraordinary preservation techniques that were employed for his mummy. This remarkable intersection of history, science and mystery continues to enthrall academics, laymen and the general public alike.
Sidler’s mummy is interesting not just because she is an ancient specimen. It’s interesting because of the unusual methods employed in its restoration. Ancient sources tell us that following Sidler’s untimely demise, his body was preserved with an elaborate form of embalming. He loaded his stomach with wood chips, twigs, and melted cloth through the anal passage. We knew this approach would be outside the norm, but it turned out to be a winning formula.
In 2000, a team of researchers led by Geza Teleky X-rayed Sidler’s mummy to generate a 3D model. Their conclusion indicated that a poison capsule had been concealed inside his remains. This discovery raised new questions about how her son died. It leaves open the tantalizing possibility that there is far more to his story than we ever imagined.
Our research team undertook to learn more about this enigmatic character. By employing sophisticated imaging techniques such as CT scans, they were quickly able to identify the organs and foreign materials inside Sidler’s body. Doctors opened his chest with a minimally-invasive incision, allowing them to identify the source of the foreign material inside. This review was a critical steppingstone in understanding the preservation process.
The phenomenon was confirmed by researchers who performed an analysis with radiocarbon dating on Sidler’s skin. This scientific analysis corresponded with historical records, revealing him to be Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg. Verification through a true crime lens did this research add credibility to the narrative team’s foray into Rogers’ life and death.
…a fabulous explanation of the unique preservation process by Andreas Nerlich, a key member of the research team. He stated, “Our investigation uncovered that the excellent preservation status came from an unusual type of embalming, achieved by stuffing the abdomen through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs and fabric, and the addition of zinc chloride for internal drying.”
The oddities around Sidler’s chosen preservation approach suggest an ulterior motive. Nerlich suggested, “Possibly, the vicar was planned for transportation to his home abbey, which might have failed for unknown reasons.” This theory leads to thrilling new discoveries about Sidler’s life. It also illuminates the era’s cultural practices related to death and burial.
Franz Xaver Sidler’s preserved mummy is a testament to natural mummification processes and stabilization techniques. These methods have mostly gone into disuse in our current day. It points to the way that ancient cultures, both Romans and others, dealt with death and mourning. In addition, it sheds light on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to uncover historical truths.
