Ridiculous History CLASSIC: The Mummies of Guanajuato
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Jun 28, 2025 Discover the eerie tale of Guanajuato's mummies, exhumed due to a grave tax that sparked fascination and horror. Uncover the bizarre methods of natural mummification and the ethical dilemmas of displaying these remains as a morbid attraction. Delve into the rich history of this silver mining town and how its past intertwines with today’s tourism. Explore the chilling characteristics of the mummies, their haunting expressions, and the cultural significance of death in Mexican society that beautifully blends tragedy with a captivating narrative.
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Guanajuato Grave Tax and Mummification
- Guanajuato instituted a grave tax where families rented burial spaces but lost them if unpaid for three years.
- Disinterred bodies were found naturally mummified because of the dry climate and low oxygen.
Human Stories Among The Mummies
- The mummies in Guanajuato include haunting figures like a pregnant woman and people apparently buried alive.
- One victim named Ignatacia Aguilar was found with hands covering her eyes, indicating she may have been buried alive.
Mummy Facial Expressions Explained
- The mummies' faces often show expressions of agony due to natural mummification changes.
- Their jaws slacken and tongues dry, creating a perpetual scream-like appearance familiar in art like The Scream painting.