Cold preserves things well. These Inkan mummies found in Chili look like they could open thier eyes and start walking around again: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/32770.html

The Egyptians tried to remove all the liquids and mushy bits of the body and placed them in preserving jars that were buried with the mummies. They would even scoop the brains out. Normally, wet things rot faster than dry.