The First Exhumed Mummies at the Catacombs in Guanajuato City, Mexico - 19th Century - stock illustration

The first exhumed mummies displayed in a catacombs corridor at Guanajuato City in Guanajuato, Mexico. Vintage halftone etching circa 19th century. A burial tax was adopted in the 19th century. Many bodies were removed from the cemetery and placed in the catacombs below the city because the family could not afford the taxes. During this time and because of this practice, the Mummies of Guanajuato were discovered. Here the first 30-40 mummies are displayed against the wall in the catacombs. The modern museum opened in 1970 and now houses 111 mummies.