Scientists have recently unraveled new insights into Ludwig van Beethoven’s health and ancestry by analyzing his DNA from preserved locks of hair. This groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Tristan Begg from the University of Cambridge, with collaboration from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and other partners, was published in Current Biology. The findings reveal Beethoven’s genetic risks for liver disease, a hepatitis B infection that likely worsened this condition, and an unexpected discovery in his family tree.
Eight locks of Beethoven’s hair were tested, of which five were confirmed authentic, allowing researchers to piece together a highly detailed look at his genetic profile. The results revealed that Beethoven had a genetic tendency toward liver disease, which would have been worsened by his regular alcohol consumption and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection he acquired shortly before his death. The study also uncovered a surprising “extra-pair paternity” event, meaning that somewhere in Beethoven’s paternal ancestry, there was a break in the biological line.
“Beethoven asked that his health challenges be examined and shared with the public after his death, so fulfilling his wish has been a guiding purpose,” explained Dr. Begg. Known to have struggled with various health problems, including hearing loss, liver issues, and stomach troubles, Beethoven had hoped doctors could one day uncover the causes.
Research on Beethoven’s DNA found that he carried a genetic variation that increases the risk of liver disease, particularly in those who drink alcohol regularly. He also carried a different gene variant that can lead to hemochromatosis, a disorder affecting iron levels in the body. When paired with alcohol use, this condition can increase the risk of liver damage. While accounts vary on Beethoven’s exact drinking habits, historians note he was a frequent drinker, which may have contributed to his liver problems. “If Beethoven drank heavily, his genetic profile combined with the HBV infection likely heightened his chances of serious liver disease,” noted Dr. Begg.
Further analysis of Beethoven’s ancestry involved testing his Y chromosome—a genetic marker passed from father to son—and comparing it with that of five living male relatives who share his family name. This comparison showed a mismatch, meaning that at some point before Beethoven’s birth, his biological lineage took an unexpected turn. “This discovery points to a break in Beethoven’s paternal ancestry that was truly unforeseen,” the team commented. This outcome complicates the historical understanding of Beethoven’s family and indicates that his paternal family history may not align with documented records.
The presence of hepatitis B in Beethoven’s genetic material was another important finding. By screening his hair for the virus’s DNA, researchers confirmed that Beethoven was infected with HBV, which may have worsened his liver condition and health problems. Hepatitis B, combined with his genetic susceptibility and alcohol use, would have created a significant risk for liver disease, which ultimately contributed to his death. Although the timing of Beethoven’s HBV infection isn’t exact, it was confirmed to have been present in his final months.
While these findings clarify aspects of Beethoven’s health, his genetic data did not reveal a cause for his progressive hearing loss or persistent stomach issues. The study highlights the limits of genetic research, which can still fall short of fully explaining conditions like Beethoven’s deafness, which might have been caused by factors such as lead exposure or bone disease.
Combining historical records with genetic findings, this study brings a modern perspective to 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, helping us understand how his health may have influenced his musical legacy.” As researchers look forward, these findings open the door for further studies on Beethoven’s health, with potential analyses of other historical samples that could provide more insight into his remarkable life.
Journal Reference
Begg T.J.A., Schmidt A., Kocher A., Attenborough R.D., Kivisild T., Krause J., “Genomic analyses of hair from Ludwig van Beethoven.” Current Biology, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.041
About the Author
Dr. Tristan Begg is a geneticist and bioarchaeologist with a special interest in using ancient DNA to unlock the mysteries of historical figures and populations. A researcher at the University of Cambridge, Begg has a background in molecular anthropology, specializing in the genetic analysis of historical hair and skeletal remains to reconstruct health, ancestry, and evolutionary pathways. His work often intersects with history and archaeology, and he aims to bring clarity to long-standing questions about figures who shaped culture and society. In his latest study, Begg led the genomic analysis of Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair, uncovering new insights into the composer’s health issues and family history.
