A new study suggests that Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici and his wife Bianca Cappello died from malaria, not murder, in 1587. The couple’s deaths had been the subject of rumors and speculation for centuries, with some believing that Francesco’s younger brother, Ferdinando, had poisoned them to gain the throne.

Malaria in the Medici Family

Researchers from the University of Pisa and Yale University analyzed the skeletal remains of Francesco and his brother, Giovanni, and found genetic traces of the malaria parasite. The study’s findings were published in the journal iScience.

The researchers used a technique called paleo-immunology to analyze the remains, which involves looking for antigens and proteins that trigger an immune response. They also used DNA analysis to look for direct genetic signatures of the disease.

The study found that Francesco’s remains contained two species of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae. The researchers believe that Francesco may have contracted a double infection, which could have contributed to his death.

A Historical Mystery Solved

The study’s findings provide a new perspective on a historical mystery that has been debated for centuries. While some researchers still believe that Francesco may have been poisoned, the new evidence suggests that malaria was the primary cause of his death.

The study also highlights the importance of malaria in historical times. Malaria was a major killer in the past, and it is estimated that it caused 610,000 deaths in 2024 alone, according to the World Health Organization.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.