Researchers Give Up Search for Missing Relic of Famed German Poet
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- This portrait of Schiller (1759-1827) is a print after the pastel by Ludovike Simanowiz in the Schiller National Museum in Marbach.
- (© picture-alliance / akg-images)
For years, historians have attempted to clarify where the stolen skull of poet Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) has ended up. Researchers have announced that they are ending their search which has thus far turned up no leads since 2008.
According to a public statement by the Universität Freiburg on November 15, the effort was not expected to produce a positive result.
Last year, the Foundation of Weimar Classics had discovered through DNA analysis that the skull stored in the Weimar royal crypt was not that of the renowned Schiller, but rather a fake. Since then, experts have tried to discover the origin of the false one and locate the original.
Experts at the Institute for Anthropology believe the spectacular robbery took place sometime in the 19th century. During the course of their investigation, they conducted a facial reconstruction.
During their investigations, researchers were always puzzled as to why the skull bore a striking resemblance to the busts and paintings of the poet, although the DNA denied this. Comparisons with genetic material from Schiller's relatives and descendents led experts to confirm that the skull and bones were from various persons, but not of Schiller.
It is assumed that the relic was stolen by grave robbers and replaced with a double sometime in the early 19th century. After the genetic analysis in 2008, an investigation also revealed that the teeth of Schiller had been professionally replaced to resemble those of the poet.
Since the discovery, the gravesite in Weimar has remained empty. Extensive evidence from the search has been presented at the Schillermuseum in Weimar since September under the title, "Schiller's Skull" on the occasion of the 250th birthday of the poet.
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