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Remains that may belong to Napoleon’s ally found in Smolensk

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Remains that may belong to Napoleon’s ally found in Smolensk


09.07.2019


Photo credit: wikipedia.org

International expedition operating in Smolensk discovered the remains of an officer who could have been Napoleon’s associate, RIA Novosti reports. According to the Vice-President of Russian-French Historical Initiatives Development Fund Maria Katasonova, it is highly likely that we are talking about General Gudin.

The remains were found at the Royal Bastion, which was the site of fierce fighting in 1812. The bastion was created in the form of a five-pointed star. At the end of the 19th century there was a park here, which was named after Smolensk Governor Lopatin.

As Russkiy Mir reported, a joint Russian-French expedition has worked in the region since May. The work involves archaeologists, anthropologists, topographers and students. According to the French military historian Pierre Malinovsky, the purpose of the excavation was to search for the remains of the soldiers of the Russian army and armies who fought on Napoleon’s side. In particular, the researchers hoped to find the grave of French General Charles Étienne Gudin de la Sablonnière, a friend of Napoleon. According to the documents, French Emperor ordered the burial of the General in the old fortress of Smolensk.

The nature of the injuries, from which the buried found died, coincides with the injuries received by the General in battle. Nevertheless, a DNA examination will give the final answer. The direct descendant of the General has already agreed to come to Moscow and provide material for analysis.

If the assumption about the identity of the deceased is confirmed, his remains will be reburied in France with all honors.

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