3-D Reconstructions Reveal the Faces of Two Medieval Dukes

[Judi Lynn]

Researchers used a variety of techniques to visualize what Czech rulers Spytihněv I and Vratislav I might have looked like



The team used DNA analysis to determine the brothers' hair and eye color. Top: Spytihněv I and bottom: Vratislav I (Naše historie z. s. via Facebook)

By Isis Davis-Marks
SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
MARCH 15, 2021 7:00AM

Back in the 1980s, anthropologist Emanuel Vlček visited Prague Castle to examine two skeletons linked to the Přemyslid dynasty, a royal house active between the late 800s and 1306 A.D. Now, reports Czech news outlet iROZHLAS, researchers have used modern technology to analyze these remains and envision what their owners might have looked like.

A joint Czech-Brazilian research group drew on facial reconstruction techniques to approximate the appearances of two medieval brothers: Dukes Spytihněv I (circa 875–915) and Vratislav or Vratislaus I (circa 888–921), father of Czech patron saint Wenceslas I.

The team, which included archaeologists Jiří Šindelář and Jan Frolík, photographer Martin Frouz, and 3-D technician Cicero André da Costa Moraes, has previously reconstructed the faces of Zdislava of Lemberk (circa 1220–1252), patron saint of families, and Czech monarch Judita of Thuringia (circa 1135–1174), among others.

According to Radio Prague International’s Brian Kenety and Lucie Hochmanová, the scholars used radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis to identify the remains and gain insights into the deceased’s diet and mobility. (Frolík co-authored a 2020 study outlining the findings in great detail.) They then scanned the dukes’ skulls with photogrammetry, a technique that captures objects’ measurements in minute detail.

More:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-reconstruct-faces-two-premyslid-dynasty-dukes-180977228/

[TexasTowelie]

1. The bone structure in the face of both men

resembles the bone structure of one of my Czech friends. It is interesting what they can do with the reconstructive techniques.

[2naSalit]

3. Same here...

with my Czech friends. Same facial structure.

I really enjoy these findings, love archaeology and cultural/linguistics studies.

Thanks for posting all these fascinating stories.

[Judi Lynn]

4. They definitely underscore deep complexity, I'm always surprised, every time. Thank you. 2naSalit. 👋

[speak easy]

2. Vclav Havel

[Judi Lynn]

5. Thank you, speak easy/former MPO. 👋🦧