Iconic Corpse: The Romanov Family

Caitlin Doughty・2 minutes read

The Romanov family faced turmoil in 1917, leading to their execution by Bolshevik Yakov Yurovsky under orders from Vladimir Lenin, with the bodies disposed of in a shallow mine shaft and later discovered by the White Russian Army in Yekaterinburg. Forensic experts used DNA testing and analysis to confirm the identities of the Romanov family members, ultimately confirming their fate with a 98.5% certainty in 1993.

Insights

  • The Bolsheviks, later known as the Communist Party, orchestrated the violent overthrow of the Romanov imperial dynasty in 1917, leading to the execution of the royal family and loyal followers in a brutal manner, marking the end of the Romanov rule after 304 years.
  • The identification of the Romanov family's remains, particularly Czar Nicholas II, involved a complex and challenging process, including the use of advanced forensic techniques, DNA testing, and international collaboration, with Prince Phillip's blood donation playing a crucial role in confirming the identities of the family members, ultimately achieving a 98.5% certainty of their lineage in 1993.

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  • What led to the downfall of the Romanov imperial dynasty?

    The Bolsheviks rioted across Russia demanding change.

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Summary

00:00

"Romanov Family Executed by Bolsheviks"

  • In 1917, the Romanov family faced turmoil as Czar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne due to pressure from revolutionaries and the military.
  • The Bolsheviks, later known as the Communist Party, rioted across Russia demanding change, leading to the downfall of the Romanov imperial dynasty after 304 years.
  • The Romanov family hoped for a new life free from monarchy but were imprisoned in Siberia under Bolshevik Yakov Yurovsky, who awaited orders from Vladimir Lenin to execute them.
  • Yurovsky, a radical Bolshevik, arranged the execution of the Romanov family and loyal followers in the basement of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg using pistols and revolvers.
  • The execution was chaotic and brutal, with the Romanovs and their servants suffering before being shot or bayoneted, their jewel-encrusted undergarments providing some protection.
  • After the execution, the bodies were disposed of in a shallow mine shaft, but due to the shallow depth, Yurovsky resorted to dousing the bodies in acid and grenades to destroy evidence.
  • The White Russian Army took over Yekaterinburg a week later, leading to the discovery of bone fragments, jewels, and clothing scraps in the mine shaft.
  • Yurovsky, fearing exposure, exhumed the bodies and attempted to cremate them in shallow mass graves in Pig's Meadow, concealing their identities.
  • In 1979, geologist Alexander Avdonin and filmmaker Geli Ryabov rediscovered the burial site, finding skeletons doused in acid, but political constraints prevented the bodies from being moved.
  • Avdonin and Ryabov secretly took three skulls from the site, with Avdonin keeping one under his bed and the others reburied until 1991 when the political climate allowed for further investigation.

13:41

Romanov Bones Identified Through DNA Testing

  • Bones of Romanov family exhumed and placed in Yekaterinburg morgue for identification.
  • Forensic anthropologist Sergei Abramov leads identification process, piecing together over 950 bones.
  • DNA testing initially unavailable, team uses computer modeling and photos to identify remains.
  • American government offers FBI assistance, but Russian team opts for Dr. William Maples from Florida.
  • British Ministry of Health conducts DNA testing on Romanov bones in England due to Russian limitations.
  • DNA testing controversy arises, with Russian scientists lagging behind due to historical events.
  • Prince Phillip donates blood for mitochondrial DNA comparison, confirming identity of Alexandra and children.
  • Identification of Czar Nicholas proves challenging, requiring comparison with relatives' DNA.
  • Various attempts to obtain DNA for Nicholas comparison fail, until Princess Irina's descendant provides a match.
  • Despite mutation in Nicholas's DNA, British team confirms 98.5% certainty of Romanov identity in 1993.
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