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A pioneering national-level study was conducted by the Palaeogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics research group at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). The 18 civilians from the village of Adel (Rethymnon) who were executed on June 2, 1941, have been identified using ancient DNA and genomic analysis techniques.

The results of these findings were recently published in the journal International Forensic Medicine: Geneticsentitled “Identification of the 18 World War II executed citizens of Adel, Rethymnon, Crete using an ancient DNA approach and low-coverage genomes”.

The Laboratory of Paleogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics aims to conduct fundamental and applied research in the field of ancient genome analysis. Ancient DNA (aDNA) refers to the preserved but often highly degraded genetic material recovered from remains found in paleontological and archaeological sites. Sources of genetic material can be isolated from specimens 100s to thousands of years old.

The laboratory specializes in the development, application and analysis techniques associated with poorly preserved osteological material, thus creating an important experimental approach for the molecular identification of human remains and thus 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 civilian victims of Nazism who were forced to dig their own mass grave.

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

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

The molecular identification of the deceased was achieved by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing technologies and compared to that of the victims’ relatives, as well as by ancient DNA analysis approaches to assess the degree of genetic relationship, always in accordance with the rules of ethics and personal data protection.

This research is the first nationally published work that sheds light on the humanitarian and historical gap, contributing to closing an open chapter for the community, but also to healing the wounds of the victims of the Adel family.

The laboratory’s participation in the research was a multi-level, complex and demanding challenge, which nevertheless managed to satisfy the long-standing and persistent desire of the relatives for the moral rehabilitation of the memory of their ancestors. Now, 83 years later, their loss continues to stir and illuminate our path.

Prof. Nektarios N. Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Research and Technology, stated: “FORTH’s extensive experience, expertise and commitment to pioneering research in the field of archaeogenetics … continued with the establishment of the first and only ancient laboratory for DNA analysis in Greece and one of the few in Europe.

“The laboratory works 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 promoting the Greek cultural heritage.

“The Archaeogenetics Unit enables archaeologists and life science researchers to gain access to analytical technologies that were until recently only available overseas. The unit provides unique opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches and cooperation between traditionally distant scientific disciplines.

“This bridging of the classical humanities with the life sciences, in particular biology, provides a springboard for innovative research activities while creating employment opportunities for dedicated scientific staff.”

“The recent research involving the identification of the 18 civilians executed by the Nazis in Adel is an excellent example of how modern biomedical research can be directly related to our culture and history. It opens a new window on our past, allowing us to gain decisive insights into key historical events with great social impact.