Scientists recently revealed new insights into Ludwig van Beethoven’s health and ancestry by analyzing DNA from preserved hair locks. The ground-breaking research, led by Tristan Begg at the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and other partners, is published in current biology. The findings revealed Beethoven’s genetic risk for liver disease, which may have been worsened by hepatitis C infection, and uncovered unexpected findings in his family tree.
Eight of Beethoven’s locks were tested, five of which were confirmed to be genuine, allowing researchers to take a highly detailed look at his genetic characteristics. The results showed that Beethoven had a genetic tendency toward liver disease, which his regular drinking and infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) would have caused him to acquire shortly before his death. The study also uncovered a surprising “staged paternity” event, meaning there was a break in the biological series somewhere in Beethoven’s paternal lineage.
“Beethoven asked that health challenges be examined and shared with the public after his death, so fulfilling one’s wishes has been a guiding purpose,” Dr. Berg explained. Beethoven was known to have had many problems with various health issues. Suffering from conditions including hearing loss, liver problems and stomach troubles, it’s hoped doctors will one day reveal the causes.
A study of Beethoven’s DNA found that he carried a genetic variant that increases the risk of liver disease, especially in those who drink alcohol regularly. He also carries a different genetic variant that causes hemochromatosis, a condition that affects iron levels in the body. This condition increases the risk of liver damage when paired with alcohol use. While accounts vary on Beethoven’s exact drinking habits, historians note that he was a frequent drinker, which may have contributed to his liver problems. “If Beethoven drank heavily, his genetic profile, combined with HBV infection, may have increased his chances of developing severe liver disease,” Dr. Berg noted.
Further analysis of Beethoven’s ancestry involved testing his Y chromosome (a genetic marker passed from father to son) and comparing it with the chromosomes of five living male relatives who shared his surname. The comparison suggests a mismatch, meaning that at some point before Beethoven was born, his biological lineage took an unexpected turn. “This finding shows that Beethoven’s paternal ancestry was indeed unpredictable,” the team commented. This result complicates understanding of Beethoven’s family history and suggests that his paternal family history may be related to documented Doesn’t match.
The presence of hepatitis C in Beethoven’s genetic material was another important discovery. By screening hair for viral DNA, researchers confirmed that Beethoven was infected with HBV, which could have worsened his liver condition and health problems. Hepatitis C, combined with his genetic susceptibility and alcohol consumption, would have posed a significant risk for liver disease, which ultimately contributed to his death. Although the timing of Beethoven’s HBV infection is not precise, it has been confirmed to have been present in his final months.
While the findings shed light on various aspects of Beethoven’s health, his genetic data did not reveal the cause of his progressive hearing loss or persistent stomach problems. The study highlights the limitations of genetic research, which still may not fully explain conditions such as Beethoven’s deafness, which could be caused by factors such as lead exposure or bone disease.
Combining historical records with genetic findings, this study brings a modern perspective on Beethoven’s life, adding depth to the personal challenges he faced. Dr. Begg emphasized: “Beethoven’s genetic data adds a new layer to his story and helps us understand how his health affected his musical legacy.” As the researchers look forward, these findings provide further insights into Beethoven’s health. This opens the door to potential analysis of other historical samples that may provide additional insights into his extraordinary life.
Journal reference
Begg Tja, Schmidt A., Kocher A., Attenborough Rd, Kivisild T., Krause J., “Genomic analysis of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s hair.” current biology2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.041
About the author
Dr. Tristan Begg is a geneticist and biochemist with a special interest in using ancient DNA to unlock the mysteries of historical people and populations. Begg is a researcher at the University of Cambridge with a background in molecular anthropology, specializing in genetic analysis of historical hair and bones, preserving reconstructions of health, ancestry and evolutionary pathways. His work often intersects history and archaeology, and his aim is to raise clear questions about long-standing issues about the people who have shaped culture and society. In his latest research, Begg led a genomic analysis of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s hair, uncovering new insights into the composer’s health problems and family history.
