Using ancient DNA analysis, researchers have identified 18 executed civilians from Adele in Rethymnon in World War II

The Palaeogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics Research Group of the Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH) conducted pioneering research at the national level. 18 civilians from the village of Adele (Rethymnon) who were executed on June 2, 1941 have been identified, using ancient techniques of DNA and genomic analysis.

The results of these discoveries were recently published in a journal Forensic Science International: Geneticsentitled “Identification of 18 World War II executed citizens of Adele, Rethymnon, Crete using ancient DNA and low coverage genome approaches.”

The Laboratory for Paleogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics aims to conduct fundamental and applied research in the field of ancient genome analysis. Ancient DNA (aDNA) refers to preserved, but often highly degraded, genetic material recovered from remains found at paleontological and archaeological sites. Sources of genetic material can be isolated from samples from 100 to thousands of years old.

The laboratory specializes in the development, application and analysis techniques related to poorly preserved osteological material, thus creating an important experimental approach for the molecular identification of human remains, and thus a powerful methodological tool for forensic research.

In this context, and at the request of the Adele community, the laboratory took over, coordinated and completed the humanitarian task of identifying 18 civilians, victims of Nazism, who were forced to dig their own mass grave.

Recognizing the historical, sensitive and international nature of the problem, which goes beyond narrow local frameworks, the laboratory, in close cooperation with the community, continued the systematic, methodological and interdisciplinary study of the victims’ remains. The results of the research will be announced at an official ceremony to be held on June 2, 2024.

The research used a combination of archaeogenomic analysis and targeted anthropological study of all cranial remains, in order to identify all victims. At the same time, fragmented skulls were restored using anthropological methods.

Molecular identification of the deceased was achieved with low-coverage sequencing technologies on the whole genome and compared to that of the victims’ relatives, and using ancient approaches to DNA analysis to assess the degree of genetic relatedness, always in compliance with the rules of ethics and personal data protection.

This study is the first work published at the national level, it sheds light on the humanitarian and historical gap, contributes to closing an open chapter for the community, but also to healing the wounds of the victims of the Adele family.

The inclusion of the laboratory in the research was a multi-layered, complex and demanding challenge, which nevertheless managed to satisfy the long-standing and persistent desire of the relatives for the moral defense of the memory of their ancestors. Now, 83 years later, their loss continues to drive and illuminate our path.

Prof. Nektarios N. Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Research and Technology stated: “FORTH’s extensive experience, expertise and commitment to pioneering research in the field of archaeogenetics… have continued to establish the first and only ancient DNA analysis laboratory in Greece and a one of the few in Europe.

“The laboratory operates according to international standards, connecting contemporary scientific research with our culture and history, creating new perspectives for studying the past and promoting Greek cultural heritage.

“The Department of Archaeogenetics provides archaeologists and life science researchers with access to analytical technologies that until recently were only available abroad. The Department provides unique opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration between traditionally distant scientific disciplines.

“This linking of classical humanities with life sciences, especially biology, provides a springboard for innovative research activities, while creating employment opportunities for specialized scientific staff.

“The recent study involving the identification of 18 civilians executed by the Nazis in Adele is an excellent example of how modern biomedical research can be directly linked to our culture and history. It opens a new window into our past, allowing us to gain decisive insight into key historical events with great social influence.