Blowing Up History Season 4 Episode 8 Mysteries Of The Ice Mummy

Blowing Up History season 4 episode 8, titled "Mysteries Of The Ice Mummy," delves into one of the most fascinating subjects in anthropology: mummies. Specifically, the episode follows the discovery and research of a well-preserved ice mummy found in the Andes Mountains.

The episode starts off by exploring the history of mummification, not just in Egypt but across the world. From the Chinchorro people of South America to the bog bodies of Europe, this episode does an excellent job of highlighting the different variations of mummification and why people from various cultures chose to preserve their dead in this manner.

The focus then shifts to the main event: the discovery of the ice mummy. The find was made by a hiker, who stumbled upon a 500-year-old frozen corpse in the Andes Mountains. The show provides a vivid and grisly reenactment of the hiker's shock and surprise at finding the mummy. The hikers' discovery led to an extensive investigation by archaeologists and anthropologists.

The team of scientists discovered that the mummy wasn't just any ordinary frozen corpse. Instead, it was the remains of an Inca girl, who was only six years old when she died. The discovery of an Inca mummy is fascinating in its own regard, but what made this one particularly awe-inspiring was the quality of preservation. The girl's hair and skin were all intact, giving the team a unique opportunity to learn more about her life and death.

The scientists go on to use modern technology to gain more insight into the mummy and its history. They use a CT scan to get a 3D model of the mummy, which allows them to see inside the body without ever having to disturb the remains. They also use isotopic analysis to learn more about the mummy's diet and where she may have lived.

Throughout the episode, the show does an excellent job of balancing the scientific and historical aspects of the story with the human elements. We learn about the Inca culture and way of life, but we also get a glimpse into the life of this little girl who died so long ago. We see the love and care that went into preserving her body and the tragedy of her death.

One of the most exciting aspects of the episode is the way it portrays the scientific investigation. As the team gathers more information about the mummy, they also encounter new mysteries and puzzles that they need to solve. It's fascinating to see how science can unlock the secrets of the past and help us understand our history better.

Overall, "Mysteries Of The Ice Mummy" is an excellent episode of Blowing Up History that combines fascinating historical information with cutting-edge scientific investigation. It's a thrilling and engaging watch for anyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, or science in general.