Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, presenting a never before seen collection of naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 4,500 years. On the cover photo, you can see the mummy of a man named Nes-Hor, which means “the one who belongs to Horus”. Horus is the falcon-headed god of hunting and warfare and is a symbol of power. Nes-Hor worked as a priest in the Temple of Min, in the city of Khent-Min (Akhmim). Nes-Hor’s sarcophagus was constructed from wood and shows many patches and repairs made during ancient times. A detailed study of the symbols on the sarcophagus identified Nes-Hor’s name, parents’ names and occupation. (Photo credit: Mummies of the World) Visitors embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification. Through modern science, engaging interactives and multimedia exhibits, the exhibition reveals how the scientific studies of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. Children friendly, the exhibition has been called a “must see” by FOX TV, “absolutely extraordinary” by PBS TV and “magical and mythical” by the New York Times. Many of the mummies included in Mummies of the World are very unusual and provide interesting insights into the aspects of mummification. The mummies and artifacts provide examples of natural, artificial and experimental mummification and mummies in science and medicine. As part of the exhibition, - and surprisingly with some Hungarian roots - we are "welcoming back" the infamous Orlovits family who belong to a group of 18th century mummies discovered in Vác, Hungary in 1994. Reconstruction on parts of a Dominican church just north of Budapest uncovered two long-forgotten burial crypts dating back to 1674 and sealed in 1838. Michael (born in 1765,) Veronica (born 1770) and Johannes Orlovits (born 1800) were among those preserved by the cool, dry air of the crypt and the oil from the pine boards used to build the coffins. Extensive research, including DNA analysis, revealed that Veronica Orlovits suffered from severe tuberculosis. By analysing CT scans, and examining samples of some of the mummies’ lung tissue, researchers have learned that more than half of the mummies found in the crypt had tuberculosis when they died. The disease was very common in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries, resulting in the deaths of as many as 25 percent of Europeans at the time. A total of 265 naturally mummified bodies were found in Vác Hungary – one of the most important European mummy finds in recent history. With permission from church officials from the Vác Episcopate, an expert team from the Ignac Tragor Museum in Vác excavated the mummies. The mummies were studied at the anthropology department of the Hungarian Natural History Museum in Budapest. About half of those discovered – 166 individuals – were recorded in church records, listed by family name, sex, date and cause of death. They were religious leaders and important local families who had been interred in the crypts between 1731 and 1838. The Orlovits family is on loan from the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest. The exhibition is open to the public from the 16th August, book your tickets in advance via Eventim. Prices range at 3800 HUF / adult, 2500 HUF / child, 2900 HUF / students and OAPs. Komplex Event 1061 Budapest, Király u. 26. Go to profile Photo: Press