Researchers identify 18 civilians executed during WWII in Adele, Rethymno using ancient DNA analysis

A pioneering study at the national level was carried out by the Paleogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics research group of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). The 18 civilians from the village of Adele (Rethymno) executed on June 2, 1941 were identified using ancient DNA and genomic analysis techniques.

The results of these findings were recently published in the journal Forensic Science International: Geneticstitled “Identification of the 18 citizens executed during World War II in Adele, Rethymno, Crete using an ancient DNA approach and low coverage genomes”.

The paleogenomics and evolutionary genetics laboratory aims to conduct fundamental and applied research in the field of the analysis of ancient genomes. 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 specimens 100 to several thousand years old.

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

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

Aware of the historical, sensitive and international nature of the issue, which transcends narrow local boundaries, the laboratory, in close collaboration with the community, carried out the systematic, methodological and interdisciplinary study of the remains of the victims. The research results will be announced at an official commemorative event to be held on June 2, 2024.

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

The molecular identification of the deceased was carried out using low coverage sequencing technologies on the entire genome and compared to that of the victims' relatives, and using old DNA analysis approaches in order to assess the degree of genetic relatedness, always in compliance with the rules. ethics and protection of personal data.

This study is the first work published at the national level, highlighting the humanitarian and historical gap, helping to close an open chapter for the community, but also to heal the wounds of the victims of the Adèle family.

The laboratory's involvement in the research was a multi-layered, complex and demanding challenge that nevertheless managed to satisfy the long-standing and enduring desire of relatives to morally reclaim the memory of their ancestors. Today, 83 years later, their loss continues to move us and light our path.

Professor Nektarios N. Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Research and Technology, said: “FORTH's extensive experience, expertise and commitment to pioneering research in the field of archaeogenetics… allowed the creation of the first and only ancient DNA analysis laboratory in Greece and one of the few in Europe.

“The laboratory operates according to international standards, connecting modern scientific research with our culture and history, while creating new perspectives for the study of the past and for the promotion of Greek cultural heritage.

“The Archaeogenetics Unit provides archaeologists and life sciences researchers with access to analytical technologies that, until recently, were only available abroad. The Unit offers unique opportunities interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations between traditionally distant scientific disciplines.

“This link between the classical humanities and the life sciences, particularly biology, provides a springboard for innovative research activities, while creating employment opportunities for specialized scientific personnel.

“The recent study investigating the identification of the 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 insights into key historical events of major social impact.”