DNA research to link Vlaardingen inhabitants to 1000-year-old ancestors

DNA samples were taken today from 88 male inhabitants of the city of Vlaardingen. They are members of families that have lived in the city for centuries. Goal is to prove (or refute) their relationship to Vlaardingen inhabitants from 1000 year ago. In 2002 skeletons were found during archeological excavations in Vlaardingen. Research has shown these skeletons were around 1000 years old. Teeth that were left in their skulls still contained DNA - the oldest DNA ever found in the country. Results are expected mid-2007.