DNA cracks centuries-old murder mystery involving one of history’s most famous families – Fox News
Ancient DNA from the Medici brothers’ remains revealed a novel malaria strain, offering scientific proof against longstanding poisoning rumors, researchers say.
Researchers at Yale University believe they’ve solved a centuries-old mystery over how a member of one of Italy’s most famous families died.
In a study published in the journal iScience, researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici, the Renaissance ruler of Tuscany, who died suddenly in 1587.
Francesco I de’ Medici and his wife, Bianca Cappello, died a day apart after falling ill with intermittent fevers following a stay at a mosquito-filled villa — fueling centuries of rumors that they had been poisoned.
EXPERTS FINALLY SOLVE MYSTERY OF TEENAGE REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER 246 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH
Working with paleopathologists from the University of Pisa in Italy, the team analyzed DNA extracted from the ribs of Francesco I de’ Medici, as well as Giovanni de’ Medici, his younger brother who died of malaria 25 years earlier.
The research was led by Serena Tucci, assistant professor of anthropology at Yale University, whose work was publicized in a university press release on June 30.
