Researchers examining the mummified remains of Bishop Peder Winstrup, buried in Lund Cathedral in 1680, have made an unusual discovery.
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
When researchers carried out a CT scan of the bishop's mummified remains, they discovered a fetus buried at his feet.
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
Researchers plan to carry out a DNA test of the fetus found at Winstrup's feet to establish if the two are related. Here museum conservator Lovisa Dal vacuums the bishop's remains.
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
Bishop Winstrup's remains are unusually well preserved, researchers say, constituting "a unique archive of medical history on the living conditions and health of people living in the 1600s."
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
The CT scan indicated that Winstrup was likely bedridden for a long period of time before his death and had suffered from tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
Bishop Winstrup appears to have had a rich diet, with decayed teeth suggesting sugary food and gallstones that could indicate a high consumption of fatty food, researchers said.
Gunnar Menander/Lund University
Bishop Winstrup was one of the founders of Lund University, which carried out the research.
