Ancient DNA Brings ‘Well-man’ from the Sverris Saga to Life

History and science are often seen as two distinct fields: one rooted in the written word, the other in evidence-based observation. However, in recent years, advancements in genetic research have allowed for a more harmonious blending of these disciplines, opening new doors to our understanding of the past. One such fusion of history and science was revealed in a groundbreaking study published in iScience on October 25, which sought to uncover the identity of a mysterious figure described in the Sverris Saga—a medieval Norse text chronicling the reign of King Sverre Sigurdsson of Norway. This study brought together historical analysis, archaeology, and cutting-edge genomic technology to piece together the life of the so-called “Well-man” from Sverresborg Castle.

The Tale of the Well-man

The Sverris Saga, a centuries-old document, tells the story of King Sverre Sigurdsson, who fought for control of Norway in the late 12th century. One of the more gruesome episodes recounted in the saga is a military raid in AD 1197, during which a body was reportedly thrown into a well at Sverresborg Castle, near Trondheim, with the intent of poisoning the local water supply. This act, steeped in intrigue and violence, was an effort to destabilize the castle and harm its inhabitants. The saga suggests that the body of a man was sacrificed in this way, but until recent years, no archaeological evidence had conclusively corroborated this event.

In 1938, bones were discovered in the very well described in the saga. However, the tools available at the time were inadequate for a thorough analysis, and it wasn’t until the advent of modern technology that researchers could embark on a more detailed investigation. Over 80 years after the discovery, the combination of ancient DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating has allowed scientists to shed light on this enigmatic figure from the past, confirming the details described in the Sverris Saga while also unveiling new insights about his identity.

Ancient DNA and the Quest for Truth

Professor Michael D. Martin, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s University Museum in Trondheim, led the team responsible for the study, which used ancient DNA to confirm and expand upon the narrative presented in the Sverris Saga. Martin and his colleagues were the first to use genomic sequencing to connect a historical figure described in ancient texts with the physical evidence of his remains. “This is the first time that a person described in these historical texts has actually been found,” he said, emphasizing the revolutionary potential of combining historical documentation with genomic science.

To piece together a more detailed portrait of the “Well-man,” researchers employed advanced gene-sequencing technology, a method that was unavailable to archaeologists at the time of the original discovery. Radiocarbon dating of the bones confirmed that the remains were about 900 years old, placing them squarely within the timeframe described in the saga. Earlier studies in 2014 and 2016 had already revealed that the individual was male, between 30 and 40 years old at the time of death. However, the genomic analysis took the investigation further, offering new insights into his physical appearance and ancestry.

Unearthing the Well-man’s Appearance and Origins

As part of his doctoral research, Dr. Martin Rene Ellegaard of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s team took samples from a tooth found in the skeleton of the Well-man. These samples were crucial for sequencing the individual’s genome and revealing physical traits such as eye and hair color. The results indicated that the Well-man most likely had blue eyes and light-colored hair, possibly blond or light brown, giving a face to a figure that had previously existed only in text.

Through collaboration with Professor Agnar Helgason at deCODE Genetics in Iceland, Ellegaard was able to trace the Well-man’s ancestry. His genetic lineage was linked to the southernmost region of Norway, present-day Vest-Agder. This discovery offers not only a more complete understanding of the man himself but also an insight into the migration patterns and genetic diversity of medieval Scandinavia.

Ellegaard noted that the success of their work relied heavily on the availability of reference data from modern populations. “Most of the work that we do is reliant on having reference data,” he explained. “So the more ancient genomes that we sequence and the more modern individuals that we sequence, the better the analysis will be in the future.” This collaboration between historical research and genetic sequencing is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of what we can understand about the distant past.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations

While the integration of ancient DNA into archaeological studies has provided valuable insights, it also raises several challenges. One of the major obstacles faced by the team was the need to protect the integrity of the sample. The tooth used for sequencing had to be carefully handled to prevent contamination, requiring the removal of its outer surface and grinding it into a powder. This process, however, had its drawbacks: it meant that the sample could no longer be used for additional tests in the future, limiting what further information could be obtained.

Furthermore, the decision to forgo analysis of any pathogens that might have been present in the Well-man’s remains was another ethical consideration. Researchers like Ellegaard and Martin were cautious about balancing the desire for detailed genomic information with the potential risks of contaminating the sample with modern microorganisms. “We need to consider what kind of tests we’re doing now because it will limit what we can do in the future,” Ellegaard explained, underscoring the importance of thoughtful and responsible scientific practices.

Despite these limitations, the success of the study paves the way for future projects that will allow for the examination of other historical figures using similar methods. Martin mentioned the possibility of analyzing the remains of Saint Olaf, one of Norway’s most important medieval figures, who is believed to be buried in Trondheim Cathedral. Such efforts could provide a detailed portrait of key historical figures, enriching our understanding of their lives and times.

A New Era of Historical Investigation

This research represents an exciting milestone in the integration of science and history. By combining the narrative of the Sverris Saga with modern genetic analysis, researchers have not only confirmed the events of an ancient text but have also uncovered new details that challenge and expand our understanding of the past. This fusion of disciplines has the potential to revolutionize how we approach archaeological and historical research, providing a more nuanced and comprehensive view of ancient civilizations.

Archaeologist Anna Petersén of the Norwegian Institute of Cultural Heritage Research in Oslo reflected on the significance of the study, noting that it represents a “fantastic result” for the field of archaeology. The ability to use genomic sequencing to uncover the identity and ancestry of individuals from historical texts is groundbreaking. “Ellegaard and Martin’s method can bring to archaeology in such a strange or rare context like this is a fantastic result,” Petersén said, underscoring the vast potential of genomic archaeology.

Looking to the Future

As genomic technologies continue to evolve, the potential for more discoveries of this nature is immense. The ability to analyze ancient remains with such precision will only improve, opening new doors to understanding the people and events of the distant past. The study of the Well-man is just one example of how blending history with science can yield profound insights into our shared heritage.

With continued advancements in ancient DNA research, we may soon uncover many more forgotten figures, from rulers and warriors to commoners, whose stories were lost to time but now stand a chance of being resurrected through the power of modern science. This convergence of historical narratives and genomic analysis may forever alter how we perceive the past, turning long-forgotten figures into real, tangible individuals whose lives and legacies have been brought back to life for a new generation.

In the case of the Well-man, history and science have collaborated to shed light on a moment frozen in time—a man, sacrificed to poison a well, whose identity has been revealed not only through words but also through the intricate language of genes. This marks a new chapter in our ability to understand and connect with the people of the past, opening the door to a future where history can be rewritten with the power of science.

Reference: Corroborating written history with ancient DNA: the case of the Well-man described in an Old Norse saga, iScience (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111076. www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext … 2589-0042(24)02301-0