Have Archeologists Found Joan of Arc's Lost Remains? | Myth Hunters

Dr. Philippe Charlier, a renowned French forensic pathologist, embarks on a quest to authenticate a mysterious set of remains believed to be those of St. Joan of Arc. The relics, initially lost to history, resurface in 1867 during urban renovations in Paris. The Catholic Church's inconclusive examination sparks Charlier's interest, leading him to apply his expertise in a case that blends science with historical myth. His investigative journey begins with a fascination for the past, ignited by a childhood encounter with the preserved victims of Pompeii's volcanic eruption.

In 1867, during the reconstruction of Paris, a pharmacist discovers a cache of bones and artifacts near the Place de la République, which are thought to be the remains of Joan of Arc. The Catholic Church's examination leaves room for doubt, and the relics are stored in the local museum of Chinon for over a century. Dr. Charlier, intrigued by the lack of concrete evidence, assembles a team of experts to analyze the relics using a range of scientific methods. The relics, which include a human rib, a vertebrae fragment, and a cat's thigh bone, present a challenging investigation that requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Dr. Charlier's investigation involves various experts to analyze the relics, which are suspected to be burnt due to Joan of Arc's execution method. The forensic pathologist's approach includes DNA analysis to determine the sex and possibly identify a genetic link with living descendants. The case is likened to a modern CSI investigation, employing cutting-edge techniques to assess historical remains. Despite the challenges, Charlier remains dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the relics, which are steeped in the myths and legends of France's national heroine.

When DNA analysis fails to yield results due to the possible destructive effects of intense heat on the samples, Dr. Charlier turns to unconventional methods. He enlists the expertise of a perfumer to detect the scent of burning on the relics. The perfumer's sense of smell, honed to detect minute traces of fragrance, is used to assess whether the relics show evidence of having been burnt. This innovative approach highlights the need for creativity when traditional scientific methods reach their limits.

The investigation takes a surprising turn with the discovery of a cat femur and a vanilla scent within the relics. The vanilla scent, associated with decomposition rather than burning, does not rule out the possibility of the relics being from Joan of Arc. The cat femur, an unusual find, may suggest connections to Egyptian practices or beliefs, hinting at a more complex history than initially suspected. These unexpected clues add layers to the mystery and challenge the team to think beyond conventional explanations.

Radiologists are called upon to examine the relics using CT scans, a technique typically reserved for living patients. The scans reveal no signs of burning, contradicting the historical account of Joan of Arc's execution. The absence of burning signs on the relics raises questions about the authenticity of the remains and the true nature of their preservation. Dr. Charlier's quest for the truth leads him to consider various scenarios, including the possibility of the body exploding due to internal gases during cremation.

A mysterious dark substance found on the bones is identified as a pine resin, historically used for embalming. The presence of this resin suggests that the remains may have been intentionally preserved, echoing the practices of ancient Egyptians. The resin's composition, including pollen grains and fungal spores, provides clues about the possible origin and preservation method of the relics, further deepening the investigation.

A toxicologist's chemical analysis of the resin coating on the relics reveals a composition that includes metals like iron and phosphorus, indicating decay rather than cremation. This finding supports the theory that the bones did not undergo the intense heat of burning. The analysis also groups the relics with an Egyptian mummy skin sample, suggesting a connection to ancient embalming practices and hinting at the true origin of the remains.

Carbon dating confirms that the relics are much older than Joan of Arc's time, dating back to late antiquity. Textile analysis of a fabric fragment from the relics indicates a thread count and twist inconsistent with medieval European fabrics, but matching those from the Middle East. The combination of scientific dating and historical textile techniques suggests an Egyptian origin for the mummy remains.

The cat femur's analysis points to an Egyptian breed, further supporting the Egyptian connection. The revelation that the relics are not of Joan of Arc leads to the discovery of a 19th-century forgery, with the glass jars and inscriptions dating from that period. The motive behind the forgery is linked to the political and religious controversies of the time, with various groups vying to claim Joan of Arc as their symbol.

The investigation concludes that the relics are a 19th-century forgery, with the forger possibly using an Egyptian mummy to capitalize on the beatification process of Joan of Arc. The discovery of the true nature of the relics does not diminish the historical and cultural impact of Joan of Arc, whose story continues to inspire and is considered more important than any physical relics.