The Origin of Rot

4 months ago

The book 'Death with Interruptions' by José Saramago explores a world where death mysteriously stops, leading to societal collapse.
Historically, the thanatomicrobiome (microbes decomposing bodies) may not have always existed, suggesting a time when bodies didn't decompose.
Ninsikila-Enlil, a 15-year-old scribe from 1326 BCE, documented bodies in Babylon that initially didn't decay but later began to decompose.
Ninsikila's writings describe a 'Pit of Eternal Rest' where bodies were preserved until decomposition suddenly began, marked by new smells and insects.
The cessation of Ninsikila's writings coincides with the Hittite plague, possibly originating from the dense accumulation of decomposing bodies in Babylon.
Historical accounts describe Babylon's skies blackened by flies and a pervasive foul smell, suggesting a massive decomposition event.
Ninsikila's skeleton was found at the bottom of the body pile, with signs he clawed his way down, possibly searching for answers to the corruption of death.

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