Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, was born in Peterhof, Russia, in 1901. Her life ended tragically in July 1918, when Bolsheviks executed the Romanov family during the Russian Revolution. Despite persistent rumors that she had survived, modern DNA testing has conclusively confirmed her death, ending a century of speculation.

A Princess in Turbulent Times

The Romanovs ruled Russia for over 300 years, but World War I and political unrest toppled their dynasty. Nicholas II abdicated in 1917, and the family was placed under house arrest in increasingly harsh conditions. Fearing they might become symbols for counterrevolutionaries, Bolshevik authorities executed the family in the basement of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg.

The Myth of Survival

For decades, stories of Anastasia’s survival captured the public imagination. Most famously, Anna Anderson claimed to be the lost princess, fueling books, films, and global fascination. These claims persisted despite skepticism and the lack of verifiable evidence.

Science Solves the Mystery

The Romanov graves discovered in the 1990s and 2000s finally settled the question. DNA analysis confirmed Anastasia and her brother Alexei were among the remains, definitively disproving the survival legends. In 1998, the Romanovs were reburied with state honors, and the family was canonized as martyrs by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Legacy of a Tragic Tale

Anastasia’s story reflects both the violent end of imperial Russia and humanity’s fascination with lost royalty. Her life and the myths surrounding it influenced literature, films, and popular culture for nearly a century. The case also stands as a milestone in forensic science, demonstrating the power of DNA to solve historical mysteries.