Scientists Study Dmitry Donskoy's Remains in Kremlin
Scientists studied the remains of Prince Dmitry Donskoy in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin using non-invasive methods, confirming historical accounts of his life and death. The findings revealed a tall, muscular man with signs of physical labor and a healed injury, consistent with his historical image as a warrior prince.
Consensus
- The remains in the sarcophagus in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin belong to Prince Dmitry Donskoy.
- The study was conducted during anti-accident restoration works in the cathedral.
- Non-destructive methods were used, and the remains were not removed from the sarcophagus.
- The man was between 35 and 45 years old at death, with a height of approximately 175–177 cm.
- The remains showed signs of significant physical strain on the chest and arms, and early-stage osteoarthritis in the knee joint.
- A healed injury was found on the forehead, with no life-threatening injuries or serious chronic diseases detected.
- The age and physical characteristics of the remains match historical records of Dmitry Donskoy.
- The sarcophagus is the first princely burial from the 14th century in the Moscow Kremlin accessible to archaeological study in modern times.
- Preserved fragments of burial clothing, footwear, and soft tissues were found.
- The study supports the historical account of Dmitry Donskoy’s death after a brief illness, ruling out plague as a likely cause.
- The research team plans to continue analyzing small particles of remains and burial fabric.
Points of divergence
- The position of the remains was largely undisturbed, though some foot bones may have been moved during 1860s renovations in the cathedral. — vedomosti
- The prince was between 1.75 and 1.80 meters tall, described as notably tall for his time. — vesti
- The exact cause of death cannot be determined from visual examination of the remains. — vedomosti
- The study revealed a well-developed muscular structure in the shoulder and forearm, and large hand size. — vesti
- President Vladimir Putin visited the Archangel Cathedral on August 20 and was shown the sarcophagus containing the relics. — vedomosti
- The study confirmed the presence of soft tissue remnants, which is rare. — vesti
- The coffin is planned to be used in a cross procession. — vedomosti
Coverage (8 sources)
- Scientists revealed a method for studying the remains of Prince Dmitry Donskoy — Ведомости
- Remains helped understand how Don looked: large hands, muscular relief — Вести
- Archaeologist presented arguments confirming the authenticity of the relics of Prince Don — Вести
- Archaeologist told about the symbolism of the Byzantine form of Dmitry Donskoy's sarcophagus — Вести
- Archaeologist told what discoveries about Dmitry Donskoy made for themselves scientists — Вести
- Museums in the Kremlin told about the main intrigue surrounding the burial of Dmitry Donskoy — Вести
- Remains of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy surprised scientists: details revealed — Вести
- Secrets of the burial: archaeologist Makarov on the personality of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy — Вести
Key entities
- Dmitry Donskoy
- RAS
- Moscow
- Nikolai Makarov
- Archangel Cathedral
- IT 'News'
- Institute of Archaeology
- Kremlin
- IT 'News'
- Moscow Kremlin
- Rus'
- Museum of the Kremlin
- Andrey Batalov
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
- DNA Sample Taken from Dmitry Donskoy's Relics
- Putin Views Relics of Dmitry Donskoy After Restoration Discovery
- Scientists Study Dmitry Donskoy's Remains Without Removing Them