DNA Sample Taken from Dmitry Donskoy's Relics

Moscow, Aug 20. Scientists took DNA samples as part of a study of the relics of the holy and righteous Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy; their analysis will help determine the prince's affiliation with the Rurik dynasty.

Consensus

• Scientists took DNA samples from the relics of Dmitry Donskoy during restoration work in the Archangel Cathedral.
• The DNA analysis aims to determine whether Dmitry Donskoy belonged to the Rurik dynasty.
• The DNA test will not provide personal identification of Dmitry Donskoy.
• The research is based on a combination of archaeological, anthropological, and historical data.
• A white stone sarcophagus from the 12th–14th century was discovered during the restoration.
• The remains found inside the sarcophagus belong to a man aged 35–45 with a battle injury to the forehead.
• The sarcophagus and remains are believed to belong to Dmitry Donskoy, based on historical and archaeological evidence.
• The relics were preserved in the sarcophagus except for the left heel bone.
• The access to the relics was made possible due to emergency structural works caused by floor subsidence.
• The discovery included three white stone sarcophagi, one of which is attributed to Dmitry Donskoy.

Points of divergence

• The sarcophagus was dated to the 12th–14th centuries (not later than the 14th century). — vesti
• The three white stone sarcophagi belong to Dmitry Donskoy, his father Ivan I of Moscow, and Dmitry Ivanovich of Uglich. — fontanka
• The DNA samples were taken during the study of the discovered relics of Saint Dmitry Donskoy. — vm
• The tomb was located near the southern wall of the cathedral, and the site was marked by a 17th-century tombstone. — vesti
• The remains of Dmitry Donskoy were not removed from the sarcophagus. — fontanka

Coverage (3 sources)

• Makarov: DNA sample taken from relics of Don Cossack to determine Rurikid lineage — Вечерняя Москва
• Part of the DNA of the relics of Dmitry Donskoy will be tested for belonging to the Rurikovichs — Вести
• Scientists took DNA from the relics of Dmitry Donskoy to check his belonging to the Rurik dynasty — Фонтанка

Key entities

• Dmitry Donskoy
• Russian Academy of Sciences
• Institute of Archaeology
• Nikolai Makarov
• TASS
• RIA Novosti
• Moscow Kremlin
• Archangel Cathedral

More on Dmitry Donskoy

• Relics of Dmitry Donskoy Found in Kremlin Cathedral
• Relics of Dmitry Donskoy to be displayed in Moscow

More on Nikolai Makarov

• Putin Views Relics of Dmitry Donskoy After Restoration Discovery
• Scientists Study Dmitry Donskoy's Remains Without Removing Them
• Head injury found on Dmitry Donskoy's skull