From The Telegraph: Can dynasty detectives unearth the Medici secrets?
Posted on December 21, 2003 01:07 PM. Filed under: history & archaeology.The bodies of 50 members of Florence's Medici dynasty - some of whom are believed to have been poisoned - are to be exhumed for forensic tests to determine how they lived and died.
The first members of the family who ruled Florence from the 15th century to 1737 will be removed from the Medici Chapels in Michelangelo's church of San Lorenzo in June.
Experts say DNA testing could yield some "sensational surprises" and also provide a true family tree, showing who was related - and who not - and who their natural fathers were.
The bodies, including eight grand dukes, will be submitted individually to medical and scientific tests for biological and genetic data under a programme run by the Universities of Florence and Pisa and Florence's museum authorities.
The declared purpose is to tap into the secrets and reconstruct the lifestyle of the colourful family of uncertain origin who went on to decide the destiny of Florence.
Through the enormous wealth they reaped from commerce and banking, the Medicis rose to power and influence first in the city, then the whole of Italy and finally Europe, producing three popes and two queens of France. They also became patrons of the arts, with a huge influence on renaissance Florence.
Specialists expect to discover what they ate, their health problems and the causes of death. [continue]