ABSTRACT

Modern forensic science has significantly affected historical debate over some well-known past crimes or mysteries, utilizing modern DNA, nuclear, and chemical analyses to reexamine the past. This book takes an in-depth look at 20 significant cases where investigators have applied new forensic techniques to confirm, dispute, or revise accepted historical accounts. Among the cases included are the murder of King Tut, the validity of the Vinland Map, the authenticity of the Hitler diaries, Joan of Arc's ashes, the bones of Anastasia, arsenic and the death of Napoleon, and the dating of the Shroud of Turin, plus 13 more.

chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction

Scope of Evidence

chapter 2|23 pages

Faking It

Chemistry and Forgery

chapter 3|22 pages

Atomic Evidence

chapter 4|30 pages

A Question of Identity

From Bones to DNA Fingerprinting

chapter 5|33 pages

Not-So-Cold Cases

chapter 6|5 pages

Conclusion

Modem Forensics and Historical Revision