The State Office for Heritage Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt and the Culture Foundation Saxony-Anhalt said the centuries-old tomb of Otto I in Magdeburg Cathedral was placed under full conservation and that the remains found inside would undergo genetic testing, reported Stern.
Work began early in the year, when conservators enclosed the grave. The heritage office said the subsequent lifting of a 300-kilogram sarcophagus lid in March took place under “the highest security precautions.” In June, specialists removed the lid of a plain wooden coffin hidden beneath the marble and uncovered a jumble of fabric, plant material, sediment, and bones.
Chisel marks on the lid and on the sarcophagus wall suggested at least one earlier opening, likely during the reburial that followed the cathedral fire of 1207. Wood analysis showed that the coffin contained timbers from different phases of the High Middle Ages.
A preliminary study cataloged scattered bones belonging to an older, unusually tall male, while the skull remained exceptionally well preserved. “The bones are probably those of Otto I,” said Harald Meller, the state archaeologist, according to regional broadcaster MDR.
The coffin’s iron clamps, last repaired in 1844, had rusted away, allowing temperature swings inside the cathedral to weaken the structure. After research concludes, the bones will be reinterred in a new wooden coffin.
Researchers plan to extract DNA and run full genome sequencing to confirm identity, search for signs of disease, reconstruct diet and lifestyle, and attempt a facial reconstruction.
“We are obliged to preserve this memorial site of German and European history for the future,” said Reiner Haseloff, the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, according to Stern.
Otto I, born in 912 and crowned emperor in Rome in 962 CE, unified central Europe and defeated the Hungarians at Lechfeld in 955. He died in 973 CE and was buried in Magdeburg Cathedral. The forthcoming genetic results will show whether the bones in the coffin truly belonged to the ruler whose reign shaped medieval Europe.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.