Molecular Genetic Investigations on Austria's Patron Saint Leopold III

• NCJ Number: 246377
• Journal: Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2013 Pages: 313-315
• Author(s): Christiane Maria Bauer; Martin Bodner; Harald Niederstätter; Daniela Niederwieser; Gabriela Huber; Petra Hatzer-Grubwieser; Karl Holubar; Walther Parson
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses parentage determination from 12th century Austria.

Abstract

The successful marriage policy of margrave Leopold III increased the importance of the House of Babenberg in late medieval Austria (12th century). Historical documentation is inconclusive in providing evidence whether or not his eldest son Adalbert derived from an earlier relationship or from the marriage with King Henry IV's daughter Agnes of Waiblingen, with whom Leopold is considered to have had 17 children. As a matter of fact Adalbert was ignored in the line of succession in favor of a younger brother, Leopold IV, which has led to long term historical discussions. Human remains attributed to these individuals were subjected to DNA analysis. Autosomal, Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA analyses brought successful results, which suggested that Leopold III, Agnes and Adalbert were related in parent-son constellation, in contrast to historical considerations. A possible mix-up of Adalbert's remains with those of his younger brother Ernst could not be confirmed by DNA analysis. (Published Abstract)