Unearthing the Tycho Brahe mystery

Published on 16 November 2010

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"Tycho Brahe finally above ground," headlines Politiken. After ten years of administrative procedures, Danish archaeologist Jens Velle and his Danish-Czech team have exhumed the remains of the famous Danish astronomer, who was buried in Prague. His death, which occurred in 1601, has always been shrouded in mystery, explains the daily. The legend used to be that Tycho was killed by the effort of resisting the urge to relieve himself at a banquet given by Emperor Rudolf II. Other theorists have suggested that he succumbed to a kidney stone, septicemia or mercury poisoning. Even more dramatically, a recently published novel claims he was assassinated on orders from the King of Denmark. The scientists will have until 19 November to find the definitive answer to all of these questions. Thereafter Tycho will be returned to his tomb.

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