Swedish researchers have opened the burial box of King Erik IX, who was beheaded in 1160 and later made a saint, in the hopes that DNA testing will teach them more about the murdered ruler.
The Uppsala University team took the king's burial crown out of the small, decorated box to be put on display for the public for the first time, The Associated Press reported.
While the box has been opened several times in the past, DNA tests have never been done on the king's skull and bones. Through genetic tests and X-ray scans, the researchers hope to learn more about King Erik IX's ancestry and diet and whether he had any diseases.
Legend says the sainted king was murdered through beheading and miracles followed his untimely death. Relics from the coffin were taken out and given to people and various churches in the 14th century.
Little is known about King Erik IX, but some sources say his father may have been English. Sometime after his death, Uppsala Cathedral was erected on the beheading site to hold his bones.
Studying the king's bones may also reveal more details on when and how he died, Newser reported.
"Legend has it the bone damage was a fatal blow from when he was killed on ascension in 1160," a cathedral chaplain told Newser. "Others think he was taken captive and beheaded a week later. Either way, the sword hit his collarbone, and the marking is quite visible."
King Erik IX's copper crown is festooned with semiprecious stones and stands as the oldest medieval crown in the country, Newser reported. It will be on display at Uppsala Cathedral in June.
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