Alexander in St. Mark's? (Part 2)

[aspondos]

(This complete my post, the words below having been cut off when the message was put up. EM) I can see only one way: to collect all the descriptions of the mummy of St. Mark in order to see if they suggest a process of mummification notably different from those which obtained in Egypt. Besides the evidence of medieval chronicles (some of which Mr. Chugg cites) there is the consideration that in 1811 the body was moved within the cathedral. I should think it likely that the body was examined at that time and that some record may survive. (In the Europe of the 18th century opening and examining old tombs was quite the vogue for a while.) My knowledge of mummification is slight, but in the excerpts Mr. Chugg cites from the chronicles I note something suggestive. In the ninth century the body is described as having still been intensely redolent of spices. While spices were used in the preparation of Egyptian mummies, I cannot recall having read that any of them GÇô even upon being newly unwrapped -- was intensely aromatic.

Dr. Eduard Mark
Washington, D. C.

[Taphoi]

Hi Eduard. Thanks for your support. You are essentially correct that accounts of the remains from 1811 do exist. I currently anticipate that something will be published about this in Italy early in the new year. Once it has appeared, I will let the Forum know about it. It is actually the Catholic Church that would need to be convinced of the case for examining the remains, since they are the legitimate owners. It would only be proper for them to consider the matter carefully before deciding. I would expect that it would be necessary for academic authorities to reach a consensus that an examination were worthwhile, before the Catholic Church would seriously consider complying. Best wishes, Andrew

[aspondos]

Dear Andrew: Thank you for your reply. I can hardly wait for the news from Italy! If you can establish that the mummy in St. MarkGÇÖs is likely not of Egyptian provenance or is some other wise promising, please remembermy suggestion that you approach the Greek government. (You might, for example, talk to the cultural attache in London.) I have not the least doubt that if you can make a plausible case, the interest in Athens will be intense and will avail you more than the nods of academics, though their interest should also be cultivated. That is the way the world works.
A final point: In recent times the Catholic Church has tended to indulge serious scholarly examination of relics. The Shroud of Turin affords a case in point. Regards, Eduard