Napoleon's Beloved General Rediscovered: Bones Unearthed From Beneath a Russian Dance Floor After 200 Years
Рабочий Путь/Facebook Charles-Étienne Gudin's remains were discovered beneath the flooring of a dancing area in Smolensk, Russia, after being interred for over two centuries.
The remains of General Charles-Étienne Gudin, who was among Napoleon Bonaparte’s top military leaders, were discovered in Smolensk, Russia, by a group of French and Russian archaeologists. According to LiveScience The one-armed serviceman met his demise due to a cannonball blast at the age of 44 on August 22, 1812, with his body remaining interred until this point.
Found beneath the foundations of a dancefloor, the skeleton was indeed missing a left leg and also showed evidence of injury on the right leg — two essential details that suggest that these remains in fact belong to Gudin.
Documents from 1812 indicate that the soldier underwent an amputation below the knee following severe injuries sustained during the Russian campaign. Following his demise, Napoleon directed that Gudin’s name should be etched onto the Arc de Triomphe; additionally, his likeness was placed in the Palace of Versailles, and a thoroughfare in Paris was designated in his honor.
At the same time, his heart was taken out and put into a chapel within Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery as a mark of respect.
Wikimedia Commons An illustration of Charles-Étienne Gudin.
It marks an unprecedented moment both for myself and for our two nations," stated French historian and archaeologist Pierre Malinovsky, who assisted in locating Gudin’s remains. "The fact that Napoleon was among the final individuals to see him alive holds significant importance, and he stands as the first Napoleonic-era general whose remains we’ve discovered.
Napoleon and Gudin grew up as close companions and studied at the Military Academy in Brienne side by side. The loss of his longtime comrade deeply affected Bonaparte. Upon hearing the tragic news, Napoleon allegedly shed tears and promptly instructed that the deceased be granted exceptional honors.
In July, the research team looked forward to testing the skeleton for DNA in order to finally put all doubts about its identity to rest. Reuters reported .
It might be necessary for us to use a DNA test to identify the remains, which could take anywhere from several months to a year," clarified the Russian military-historical society. "The general’s relatives are keeping up with the updates.
Getty Images A detailed view of the one-legged skeleton, which has been identified as belonging to General Charles-Étienne Gudin.
According to CNN Malinovsky has eliminated all doubt. He disclosed in November 2019 that he had moved some of the bones' thigh bone and several teeth from Moscow to Marseille following the excavation for an extensive examination.
The conclusion of the overnight journey involved a genetic comparison between the remnants and those of the late general’s mother, brother, and son. The ingenious scientist had conveniently included the bones and teeth in their luggage for this purpose. The outcomes proved more than acceptable.
A professor in Marseille conducted thorough tests, and the DNA matched 100 percent," he stated. "It was worthwhile.
Malinovski mentioned that Gudin will probably be laid to rest at Les Invalides. This renowned complex of military memorials and museums will keep the one-legged general in esteemed company, as it also houses Napoleon’s remains.
Following the discovery of General Charles-Étienne Gudin's remains, explore some of the most intriguing details. facts about Napoleon . Then, learn about Archaeologists discover the remnants of America's earliest settlers beneath a Florida winery. .
