Mystery of an old bone

At the beginning of a hot summer, many Czechs found the news exciting. Imagination overtook the public as it was announced that Czech scientists were preparing intensive research into the Přemyslids' DNA. Amid offers of financial support and questions of all kinds, one question was raised again and again: What will happen when scientists discover that the founders of Czech statehood are not Czechs?

Scientists only shrug their shoulders ― nothing like that can be found because nothing like „national DNA“ existed in a Europe where all tribes were mixed together. The thorough research of the Přemyslids' double helix enabled by the bustling development in genetics in the last couple years might change views of Czech history. The research could reveal that the Přemyslid dynasty was present here much earlier than we thought. Now genetics make it possible for us to even search for their living descendants.

Who was first

He died of a blow to the head, perhaps in battle, or maybe as a result of a pub fight. At least he died at a respectable age ― he was a 50-year-old man, quite something for the ninth century. Archaeologists have found „princely gear,“ evidence that he belonged to a high social class. His survivors equipped him with a sword, thus depriving their descendents of the weapon ― a gesture very few could afford. We also know he was not a Christian ―…