Defleshing

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During the Middle Ages, defleshing was a mortuary procedure mainly used to transport human remains over long distances. Defleshing was only used by nobility. It involved removing skin, muscles, and organs from a body, leaving only the bones.

In this procedure, the head, arms, and legs are detached from the body. The skin, muscles, and organs are cut away until only bones remain. The process does leave telltale cuts on the bones.

Evidence has recently surfaced that Christopher Columbus may have undergone the procedure following his death.