一项最新的遗传学研究揭开了困扰历史学家四个多世纪的谜团。耶鲁大学和比萨大学的研究团队通过对古代DNA的分析，确认1587年美第奇大公爵弗朗切斯科一世及其妻子比安卡·卡佩罗的死亡系因疟疾，而非长期以来传言的砷中毒暗杀。[1]
这对夫妻在数小时内相继去世。[1]研究人员在弗朗切斯科的肋骨骨样本中发现了两种疟疾寄生虫——恶性疟原虫和间日疟原虫的遗传证据。[1]
由耶鲁大学人类学助理教授塞雷娜·图奇领导的研究团队自2004年起开始对49个美第奇家族墓葬进行挖掘和分析。[1]这项成果于2024年6月发表在《iScience》期刊上。[1]
研究者瓦伦蒂娜·朱弗拉表示："DNA是确定的，它解决了问题和疑虑。我认为这是一个明确的答案。"[1]
历史记录显示，弗朗切斯科的兄弟乔凡尼枢机主教也在25年前因疟疾去世。[1]根据世界卫生组织的数据，疟疾在2024年造成了610000人死亡。[1]
Researchers have resolved a centuries-old historical puzzle by identifying the true cause of death for two prominent members of the Medici family. Using ancient DNA analysis, scientists discovered genetic evidence of malaria parasites in the remains of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his wife Bianca Cappello, definitively establishing that malaria—not arsenic poisoning as long suspected—claimed their lives in 1587. [1]
Francesco I and Bianca Cappello died within hours of each other in 1587. [1] Analysis of bone samples from Francesco's ribs revealed two species of malaria parasites: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. [1] The research, led by Yale University assistant professor of anthropology Serena Tucci in collaboration with the University of Pisa, was published in iScience in June 2024. [1]
The investigation built on excavations and analysis of 49 Medici family tombs that began in 2004. [1] According to researcher Valentina Giuffra, "The DNA is definitive, it resolves the question and the doubts. I think this is a clear-cut answer." [1] Francesco's brother, Cardinal Giovanni, had also died from malaria approximately 25 years earlier. [1]
The findings carry contemporary relevance as well: according to World Health Organization data, malaria caused 610,000 deaths globally in 2024. [1]