Ancient Coroner Finds New Evidence on Hitler, Picasso & Jesus Christ | Philippe Charlier

Hitler’s Remains and the Truth Behind His Death

Charlier recounts his unique experience examining the remains of Adolf Hitler’s mandible, held in Moscow. This forensic analysis was crucial in confirming that Hitler did indeed die in his Berlin bunker in 1945, dispelling conspiracy theories about his escape to South America or elsewhere. The remains included bone fragments, teeth, and prosthetic elements, which were meticulously compared to original X-rays taken of Hitler shortly before his death. This comparison left no doubt about the authenticity of the remains.

The forensic evidence also shed light on the circumstances of Hitler’s death. Tiny fragments of a glass poison capsule were found between the teeth, suggesting cyanide ingestion, but the poison likely did not act quickly due to food and alcohol consumed beforehand. A gunshot wound to the skull was also evident, indicating that Hitler may have shot himself after the poison failed. The Soviets’ excavation of the burial pits revealed partial cremation, but the upper skull was missing, likely destroyed by the gunshot and fire. Charlier’s work helped clarify the historical record with scientific rigor.

Forensic Anthropology and the Study of Ancient Poop

One of the more unusual but revealing areas of Philippe’s research involves the study of ancient human feces, or paleofeces. By analyzing latrines and preserved excrement from archaeological sites, he can reconstruct diets, health conditions, and even exposure to toxins or parasites of past populations. For example, he describes excavations in Pompeii and the Greek island of Delos, where latrines contained not only human waste but also remains of sponges used for hygiene and even aborted fetuses in brothels.

These studies provide a window into the daily lives and health challenges of ancient peoples. The presence of parasites, dietary residues, and medicinal compounds in feces offers clues about disease prevalence, nutrition, and medical practices. Philippe emphasizes that such analyses complement traditional archaeological and textual sources, enriching our understanding of ancient civilizations beyond what written records alone can provide.

The Intimate Forensics of Pablo Picasso

Philippe Charlier also delves into the modern era with his examination of personal relics belonging to Pablo Picasso. Thanks to Picasso’s daughter, fragments of the artist’s hair and nails were preserved, allowing Philippe’s team to analyze his exposure to toxins and lifestyle habits. The analysis revealed significant nicotine levels, consistent with Picasso’s heavy smoking, and traces of foods like watermelon and even goat hairs, reflecting the presence of a pet goat in his studio.

This kind of forensic study offers a unique glimpse into the private life of a historical figure, revealing habits and environmental exposures that shaped their health and creativity. It also demonstrates how forensic science can bridge the gap between the distant past and recent history, applying the same meticulous methods to understand individuals across centuries.

Iconodiagnosis: Diagnosing Disease Through Art

A particularly intriguing subject Philippe discusses is the concept of iconodiagnosis—the identification of medical conditions through the careful study of historical artworks. He cites the example of Raphael’s painting of his mistress, La Fornarina, where subtle visual cues in the breast suggest the presence of breast cancer, a diagnosis unknown at the time. Such detailed observation allows modern experts to retrospectively diagnose diseases in historical figures based on artistic depictions.

Philippe stresses the importance of collaborating with historians and art specialists to interpret these clues accurately, as artistic styles and symbolism can vary widely. This interdisciplinary approach enriches both medical history and art history, revealing how artists inadvertently documented human pathology centuries before modern medicine.

The Mystery of Mary Magdalene’s Relics

The conversation turns to religious relics, focusing on the skull and remains attributed to Mary Magdalene, housed in a basilica in southern France. Philippe describes the scientific examination and facial reconstruction performed on these relics, which date back to the first century AD. Although definitive proof linking the remains to the biblical figure is lacking, the study offers a tangible connection to early Christian history.

He also recounts the tradition that Mary Magdalene spent decades in a cave in Provence after the crucifixion, and how fragments of her skin and hair are preserved as sacred relics. The forensic work on these relics combines respect for religious tradition with scientific inquiry, aiming to uncover historical truths while acknowledging the limits of current evidence.

The Zombie Powder and Voodoo Practices in Haiti

Philippe shares his research into Haitian voodoo practices, particularly the use of tetrodotoxin from pufferfish venom in creating so-called “zombie powder.” This potent neurotoxin can induce a death-like state by slowing bodily functions to near cessation. In voodoo rituals, individuals are buried alive and later revived by priests, entering a trance-like state of zombification.

He explains that belief and psychological factors are crucial for the effectiveness of these rituals, as only those initiated into voodoo can truly become zombies. The toxin must enter the bloodstream through skin abrasions, and the ritual includes strict control over diet and drug administration to maintain the state. Philippe’s work demystifies these practices, showing how pharmacology and cultural belief intertwine in this unique phenomenon.

The Forensic Study of French Royalty

Philippe discusses ongoing projects involving the remains of French kings, many of whom were exhumed and reburied during and after the French Revolution. These mass graves and crypts contain commingled skeletons, and Philippe’s team aims to identify and study these remains to restore them to their rightful resting places. This work involves detailed osteological analysis and DNA testing to untangle centuries of disturbance.

He also highlights the study of Marie Antoinette’s clothing and shoes, which provide clues about her physique and health. By reconstructing her body shape and size, researchers gain insights into the life and conditions of this iconic historical figure. Such forensic reconstructions bring history to life in vivid detail.

Reconstructing the Voice of Henry IV

One of Philippe’s most remarkable projects involves the mummified head of Henry IV, the French king assassinated in 1610. The head is exceptionally well preserved, retaining soft tissues including the vocal cords and tongue. Using advanced imaging and artificial airflow techniques, Philippe’s team is working to recreate the king’s voice, potentially allowing us to hear how he sounded.

This endeavor exemplifies the cutting edge of forensic science, combining anatomy, technology, and history to resurrect the past in sensory form. It also fulfills Philippe’s lifelong mission to make the dead “speak” through scientific means, offering a powerful connection across time.

Ancient Medicine and Its Relevance Today

Throughout the discussion, Philippe reflects on the evolution of medicine from antiquity to the present. He praises Hippocrates’ early recognition of personalized medicine, emphasizing that treatment must consider an individual’s environment, diet, and physiology. This holistic approach, articulated over two millennia ago, resonates with modern trends toward personalized healthcare.

He also notes that many diseases common today, such as diabetes, were present in historical populations, as evidenced by protein analysis in royal remains. While ancient medical texts like those of Galen contain errors, they laid foundational knowledge that continues to inform medical science. Philippe advocates for integrating archaeological and forensic findings with historical texts to deepen our understanding of health and disease.

The Role of Drugs and Toxicology in Antiquity

The use of drugs in ancient times is a recurring theme. Philippe acknowledges that opium and other substances were employed for medicinal purposes, and possibly recreationally, though scientific proof of widespread recreational use remains limited. He highlights the potential of paleotoxicology—the study of ancient toxins in human remains and artifacts—to provide concrete evidence of drug use.

He also discusses the presence of tobacco and cannabis in Renaissance Venice, used not for pleasure but as remedies against diseases like malaria. This illustrates how cultural context shapes drug use and perception. Philippe calls for multidisciplinary research combining archaeology, toxicology, and history to unravel the complex role of drugs in past societies.

Mythology, Fossils, and Medical Anomalies

Finally, Philippe explores the intersection of mythology and paleontology, explaining how ancient peoples interpreted fossilized remains as evidence of mythical creatures like cyclopes and sirens. His research into teratology—the study of congenital malformations—shows that many mythological beings may have been inspired by real medical conditions observed in humans and animals.

He presents examples of skeletal abnormalities that match descriptions of legendary monsters, demonstrating how folklore and medicine intertwine. This work not only enriches our understanding of ancient beliefs but also highlights the enduring human fascination with the extraordinary and the unknown.