Discovery Channel - Mummy Detective (2004) Part 2 Crypt of the Medici

Life after death is an important element of many religions. Dead bodies were embalmed and mummified and, depending on the wealth of the deceased, equipped with both utility articles and precious ritual objects. When you think of a mummy what comes to mind? Most of us usually picture an Egyptian mummy wrapped in bandages and buried deep inside a pyramid. While the Egyptian ones are the most famous, mummies have been found in many places throughout the world. Mummies have a lot to tell us about the times and places in which they lived. Their bodies can tell us how long they lived, and the diseases and injuries they suffered from. In this series Dr. Bob Brier, whose work usually involves Egyptian archeology, follows an Italian team into the crypt of the Florentine family the Medicis and also investigates the biblical legend of the Three Wise Men.

Part 2: Crypt of the Medici

They were the most powerful and influential family in the world. Richer than the Rockefellers, mightier than the Tudors. They were the Medici. They bankrolled the Renaissance and ignited the Reformation. They were soldiers, bankers, politicians and Popes - and they dominated Europe for 300 years.