Histories' Mysteries
How DNA Solved Some of Histories' Greatest Mysteries
DNA has helped solve some of the mysteries of history, like Princess Anastasia, The Lost Dauphin of France, and Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings.
Part of the charm of history is that is full of real life mysteries. For example, missing princes and princesses are found throughout European history. From the princes in the tower, during England’s War of the Roses to the controversial reappearance of the Russian princess Anastasia, theories, imposters, and truth all mingle together, forming histories' myths and legends. With the discovery of DNA in the Twentieth Century, historians have begun to unravel some if histories greatest mysteries.
Princess Anastasia
Following the brutal execution of the Romanov family in 1918, several imposters came forward claiming to be the youngest Romanov daughter, Anastasia. The most famous of these claimants is Anna Anderson. Anderson was able to convince many people, include royal friends and family of the Romanov’s, handwriting experts, and forensic scientists that she was indeed Anastasia. However, DNA samples carried out after Anderson's death indicate that her real identity was Franziska Schanzkowska, a Polish factory worker. Even today, supporters of Anna Anderson's claim to the Russian throne still maintain that her DNA was not used in the test, and she had once again been robbed of her rightful inheritance.
The Lost Dauphin
Using DNA, scientists were able to trace the long Lost French Dauphin (prince) to his Twenty-first Century namesake, Louis of Bourbon. This popular French myth dates back to the French Revolution and the young son of Marie Antoinette and Louis XI. Little Prince Louis died in Temple Prison at the age of fourteen, but in the years following his death, several people came forward claiming to be the Lost Dauphin. Using DNA from the decedents of Marie Antoinette’s family (family of Queen Anna of Romania), scientist confirmed that the preserved heart of the boy who died in 1795 was indeed Louis, the Lost Dauphin.
Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings
Another popular myth confirmed by DNA testing is that of the relationship between American president Thomas Jefferson and his slave/mistress Sally Hemmings. DNA samples taken from various descendants of both Jefferson and Hemmings showed a match, concluding that they did indeed have several children together. However, these findings do not settle the long-standing debate over whether it was a loving relationship, or a domineering master and his vulnerable female slave. No doubt this debate will never be settled, since there is no written accounts from Hemmings, as she is thought to have been illiterate.
Sources:
Monitcello http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings_report.html
The World of Royalty http://www.royalty.nu/Europe/Russia/Anastasia.html
The Truth About History, A Readers Digest Publication (Readers Digest, 2006)
