Wednesday, November 6, 2024
HomeEnvironment HeadlinesAncient Remains Discovered in Well Could Belong to Character from Norse Saga

Ancient Remains Discovered in Well Could Belong to Character from Norse Saga

Uncovering the Mystery of the Man Thrown Down a Well in 12th Century Norway: A DNA Sequencing Story

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal iScience, researchers have sequenced the genome of an 800-year-old DNA sample that may belong to a man thrown down a well in the 12th century. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious figure mentioned in the ancient Norse text, the Sverris Saga.

The saga recounts the ongoing feud between King Sverre Sigurdsson and his chief enemy, the archbishop, during the civil war in 12th and 13th century Norway. One particular event described in the saga involves the archbishop’s fighters attacking the king’s castle and throwing a dead man down a well headfirst, filling it up with stones.

Archaeologist Anna Petersen from the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research led the excavation of the well in 1938, where a man’s skeleton was discovered. Recent efforts to extract DNA from the skeletal remains have provided new insights into the man’s origins and physical appearance.

Evolutionary genomicist Michael Martin from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology collaborated with Petersen to sequence the man’s genome from dental material. The analysis revealed that the man was likely male with blue eyes, blonde hair, and an intermediate skin tone, tracing his ancestry back to a specific county in southern Norway.

The findings not only confirm the existence of the individual mentioned in the saga but also provide a more personal perspective on his life. While genetic epidemiologist Dana Kristjansson from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health cautions that the evidence is circumstantial, the details uncovered from the DNA analysis offer a glimpse into the past and humanize the once anonymous figure.

This study represents a significant advancement in the field of ancient DNA research, showcasing the power of genetics in unraveling historical mysteries and connecting modern science with ancient narratives. The man thrown down the well in the 12th century has now been given a name and a story, bridging the gap between past and present.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular