Unearthing the Franklin Expedition’s Dark Secrets Through DNA

Unearthing the Franklin Expedition’s Dark Secrets Through DNA

Updated on: October 14, 2024 6:15 pm GMT

For nearly two centuries, the tragic fate of the Franklin Expedition has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and those captivated by the mysteries of Arctic exploration. New research has brought to light vital information about one of the ill-fated crew members, shedding light on a dark chapter of survival and desperation. Researchers have recently confirmed the identity of Capt. James Fitzjames, a member of the doomed expedition that embarked on a quest for the Northwest Passage in 1845. This revelation comes from meticulous DNA analysis that has been years in the making.

The Franklin Expedition: A Brief Overview

In 1845, two ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, set sail from England under the command of Sir John Franklin. Their mission was to navigate the Northwest Passage, a desirable sea route through the Arctic that promised access to Asia. Sadly, the expedition never reached its destination.

  • Crew size: 129 sailors and officers
  • Main ships: HMS Erebus and HMS Terror
  • Tragic fate: Stranded in Arctic ice, all crew members ultimately perished

Despite efforts to locate the ships, all subsequent search attempts from 1847 to 1859 failed. It wasn’t until Inuit oral histories were considered that researchers could eventually find the wrecks of the Erebus and Terror in recent years.

Identifying Fitzjames

The identification of Fitzjames’ remains comes from a collaboration between researchers at the University of Waterloo and Lakehead University. They analyzed a molar tooth extracted from the site on King William Island, Nunavut. This DNA led them to living descendants, which provided the critical link for positive identification.

Douglas Stenton, an adjunct professor of anthropology at the University of Waterloo and lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of this identification. “It’s challenging and fascinating; no other British polar exploration suffered such a catastrophic loss as the Franklin Expedition,” he explained.

The Process of Identification

In their quest to uncover more about the men who perished, the researchers utilized a methodical approach:

  1. Sample Collection: In 2013, Stenton’s team received permission to excavate remains from the expedition site.
  2. DNA Analysis: They extracted DNA from multiple samples, including the mandible containing Fitzjames’ molar, which had knife marks suggesting its use in cannibalistic activities.
  3. Genealogical Research: After identifying potential relatives, the team matched Fitzjames’ DNA with those of living descendants.

Stenton noted that Fitzjames is only the second crew member to be identified through this rigorous process, following John Gregory, an engineer aboard the Erebus, who was identified in 2021.

Understanding the Context of Cannibalism

The findings of Fitzjames’ remains do not just offer identification; they deepen the understanding of the harrowing circumstances faced by the crew. Analysis of the remains indicates that scurvy, hypothermia, and possibly cannibalism contributed to their deaths.

“We’re trying to understand what was happening,” Stenton said. “What exactly was going on at that site that brought them to that point? This was survival cannibalism, and it was very desperate measures that some of the men took.”

Inuit Accounts vs. Archaeological Evidence

The role of Inuit oral history has been crucial in locating the wrecks and providing context to the events that transpired after the ships were abandoned. While some Inuit testimonies suggested overwhelming graphic accounts of cannibalistic practices — including breaking bones for marrow — the archaeological evidence has not fully supported all these claims.

Stenton acknowledges this complexity: “We’re not the first archaeologists to be at that site. We’re just trying to understand what happened.”

Future Investigations

The research team is hopeful that the recent findings will spur more descendants of Franklin crew members to come forward with DNA samples. This could lead to the identification of more sailors and further unravel the mystery of what truly occurred during those desperate Arctic months.

  • Call for Participation: Researchers are encouraging families with potential ties to the Franklin crew to contact them for DNA contributions.
  • Further Excavations: Plans for additional excavations could provide even more insight into the lives and fates of those involved in the expedition.

The Legacy of the Franklin Expedition

The Franklin Expedition remains a saga of endurance against nature’s harshest realities. The confirmed identity of Fitzjames not only brings closure to his lineage but also serves as a poignant reminder of the human costs of exploration. The gruesome choices made under extreme duress echo the extremes to which humans will go to survive.

“This research speaks to the desperate conditions that they faced,” Stenton concluded. “It’s an incredible level of desperation that they must have endured.”

Fitzjames is now part of a growing narrative that includes the lives and legacies of the many men who embarked on the doomed voyage. Their story reflects both the ambition of human exploration and the sobering realities of survival in one of the planet’s most unforgiving environments.

The Franklin Expedition was an important journey in history, and there have been some exciting new discoveries about it. You can read more about these findings in the original study that was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

She Content Strategist known for crafting empathetic and engaging articles for health websites like Healthline. With a background in clinical anatomy, Joy combines medical expertise with a flair for compelling writing, creating content that captures attention and simplifies complex topics. Her skills extend to health editing, ensuring polished and stress-free content for her clients.

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