PROBABLY the best-preserved body in the world was found in China in 1972. Xin Zhui, the Lady of Dai, died between 178 and 145 BC. It was possible to work out from the tomb and body that she was about 50 years old when she died. She was also wealthy, overweight and had low back pain (inferred because of damage to the joints in her lumbar spine).
In animals that walk on all fours (tetrapedals), the weight of the body is distributed evenly on all four legs. The spine is in a more horizontal position.