Khaberni - Nearly 200 years after the death of Germany's most famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, a recent scientific study has reopened the file on his personal life from an unprecedented angle, based on DNA analysis from hair strands attributed to him with historical confidence.
The results, published by ScienceAlert from a peer-reviewed scientific study, carried medical and familial surprises that altered some established hypotheses about Beethoven's health and lineage.
From Hair to Genes
Researchers relied on several hair strands preserved in private and public collections, which underwent rigorous testing to confirm their authenticity, after excluding famous samples that were later found not to belong to Beethoven. Through modern techniques in ancient genetics, an important part of his genetic fingerprint was reconstructed.
The True Illness… Not Lead Poisoning
For many years, a hypothesis prevailed suggesting that Beethoven might have died from lead poisoning, based on old analyses of a hair strand attributed to him.
However, the new study demolished this theory after proving that the hair strand belonged to another person, likely a woman, and not to the famous composer.
On the other hand, genetic analyses provided strong evidence that he suffered from hepatitis B infection in the last months of his life, which could explain the sharp deterioration in his health, especially with genetic factors that increase the susceptibility to liver diseases, alongside his documented historical use of alcohol.
The Mystery of Deafness… No Definitive Answer
Despite the scientific advances, the study could not definitively determine the real reason for Beethoven's gradual hearing loss, nor his chronic digestive system issues, both of which deeply affected his personal life and creative journey. Researchers affirm that these aspects are still open to future medical interpretations.
Unexpected Surprise
Apart from health, the genetic analysis brought a bigger surprise related to lineage. A comparison of Beethoven's Y chromosome with contemporary male relatives presumed to belong to the same lineage showed a genetic mismatch. This indicates an "unexpected paternal event" occurred in one of the family generations between the 16th and 18th centuries, long before Beethoven's birth.
These results highlight the growing role of genetics in reinterpreting history, not only to understand the causes of disease and death but also to uncover hidden details from the lives of figures who have shaped human sentiment. In Beethoven's case, the study did not change his timeless artistic status, but it added a new layer of human understanding to his struggles and life.
The question remains open: How many of history's secrets are still locked within genes, waiting for new scientific advancements to reveal them?
