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Remains of Russian Royals Found

Archaeologists to assist in probe of royal family's deaths

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2007 3:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – Russian archaeologists say they’ve unearthed remains belonging to two children of Nicholas II, the Russian czar executed along with the rest of his family almost 90 years ago. The discovery of Alexei and Maria Romanov may help prove the authenticity of remains found in 1991 that are believed to be those of their parents and their three sisters.

DNA tests report a conclusive match, but some remain skeptical, the Guardian reports. A Romanov family spokesman said despite tests, “huge doubts and many disputes” continue. To prevent veneration of the remains, executioners mutilated and hid the bodies, bathing them in acid and discarding them in a mine. Other family members were reburied in 1998.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Yekaterinburg's "Church on the Blood" is built on the spot where the Ipatiev House once stood, with a sculpture in front depicting the royal family. (Wikimedia Commons)

Official photograph of Nicholas II taken in honor of the tercentenary celebrations of the rule of the Romanov Family in Russia. St Petersburg, 1913. (Wikimedia Commons)

Tsar Nicholas II, center, with Romanov family. (Wikimedia Commons; Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.)

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Remains of Russian Royals Found