Discussion Surrounding the Identification of Henry IV�s Alleged Skull: Advanced Study

Abstract

On Sunday, 13^th March 2011, at half past eight in the evening, the French public national television channel France 5 broadcasted a documentary relating the investigation which had led to the formal identification of Henry IVs skull. It had been conducted by a team of scientists led by Doctor Philippe Charlier, a forensic medical examiner - a well-known anthropologist.

Throughout the programme, many factors were introduced and proved the identification. And yet, taking a scientific step back and looking at things from a distance with historical knowledge, these factors seem to be questionable. A new perspective which sowed the seeds of doubt on the showcasing of absolute certainty.