Ancient DNA Confirms Sverris Saga Account
Ancient DNA Confirms Sverris Saga Account

Ancient DNA Confirms Sverris Saga Account

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A recent study published in iScience has provided new insights into the historical account of a body thrown into a well at Sverresborg Castle, as described in the 800-year-old Norse 'Sverris Saga'. The skeletal remains, discovered in 1938, have been analyzed using advanced DNA sequencing and radiocarbon dating, confirming that they belong to a man who likely died during a raid in 1197. This individual is thought to have been thrown into the well in an attempt to poison the water supply, a tactic documented in the saga recounting the life of Norwegian King Sverre Sigurdsson. This research represents the first instance of identifying a person described in medieval Norse texts, blending genetics with archaeology to reveal his likely Southern Norwegian ancestry. The findings corroborate the saga's account of the raid, providing a unique fusion of history and science. These results highlight the potential of combining historical texts with modern scientific methods to explore medieval events.

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