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DNA hunt to probe royal tomb's secrets


RESEARCHERS are collecting DNA samples from men surnamed Cao to discover whether the newly unearthed tomb in central China's Henan Province truly belongs to Cao Cao, a third-century warlord and ruler.

The researchers from Shanghai's Fudan University Life Sciences School will compare the DNA samples with those taken from the tomb's corpse to determine whether it is Cao Cao.

The same technology found that America's third president Thomas Jefferson fathered a black son on his farm.

According to legend, Cao Cao (AD 155-220) built a strong and rich state, but protected his tomb with 72 decoys to keep its whereabouts secret.

Three bodies, one man and two women, were found in the two-chamber tomb. The man was found to have died in his 60s, which coincided with the Cao Cao's death age.



 

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