Summary of Key Points
Wen Shaoqing, an expert in scientific and technological archaeology from Fudan University, initially focused on DNA research related to ancient nobles such as the Cao Cao family and Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. However, after encountering the identification of remains of martyrs by chance, he decided to shift his expertise towards helping these unknown heroes find their families and reconstructing their lives. His team used advanced techniques including DNA extraction, facial reconstruction, and isotope analysis to bring the stories of 49 unnamed martyrs from Nan Village in Lüliang to life. These martyrs, with an average age of only 20.5 years, were once forgotten. Through these methods, we learned about their diet, injuries, and even their final moments of bravery—helping Cui Haizhi reconnect with his family and ensuring that the name of Liu Paifu was remembered for generations to come. In doing so, Wen not only changed his approach to work (going from waiting for families to proactively seeking out relatives) but also redefined our understanding of history: it is the sacrifices of ordinary people that truly shape its fabric.
From "Emperor Research" to "Martyr Search: A Transformation in Heart"
Wen Shaoqing’s early research focused on prominent figures, such as those from the Cao Cao family and Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. But in 2023, after receiving an invitation from the Lüliang Veterans Affairs Bureau, his perspective shifted:
- Seeing that the graves in Nan Village had been converted into farmland with most of the tombstones bearing no names, he wondered, “Having studied so many ancient emperors, why not use technology to give these martyrs a name and a face?”
- Memories of reading "The Legends of Lüliang Heroes" as a child inspired him, and he felt a sense of pride in connecting with these historical figures.
From then on, he shifted his research focus from nobles to unnamed martyrs, determined to ensure that their stories would not be forgotten.
Technology as the Key: Unveiling the Stories of Martyrs
Wen Shaoqing’s team used three main technologies to reveal the details of the martyrs’ lives:
1. DNA Extraction: This technique overcame challenges such as decomposed remains and metal contamination. For example, they successfully extracted DNA from the remains of soldiers who had died in a distant expedition in Myanmar after optimizing the process over three months, helping Cui Haizhi reconnect with his family and establishing a national database for martyrs’ DNA information.
2. Facial Reconstruction: They reconstructed the faces of 43 martyrs, bringing back the faces of young men in their twenties (the youngest was under 14 years old).
3. Isotope Analysis: By analyzing carbon and nitrogen in the bones, they determined the soldiers’ diets—some ate millet and beans, while others, during a siege, had to rely on harder-to-digest foods. This analysis also confirmed the story of wealthy youths joining the army and sacrificing their lives.
4. Physical Condition Assessment: The team found evidence of age-related joint diseases due to malnutrition and intense marches, as well as bullet wounds and amputation marks, showing that even these brave soldiers faced harsh realities.
Heart-Wrenching Details
Many aspects of the research were particularly moving:
- Young Ages: The average age of the martyrs was 20.5 years, with 73% being between 15 and 23; some were even under 14, indicating their youth and innocence.
- Martyrdom: Almost all bullet wounds were fatal, and many had pre-existing injuries that worsened before they died on the battlefield. Bullets remained in their bones, indicating the lack of medical care available at the time.
- The Horrors of Battle: Eleven women and ten minors were found among the victims; the youngest was just 11 months old, suggesting a brutal massacre by the Japanese army.
- The Story of Liu Paifu: Li Tingzhang guarded the grave for 75 years but passed away without hearing news of Liu Paifu’s family, prompting Wen to change his approach to his work.
From Waiting Passively to Taking Action: Not Waiting for Others
The case of Liu Paifu made Wen realize that many families could not wait for results. He adjusted his strategy:
- Proactive Search: Instead of waiting for families to come forward, he used public databases to find individuals with matching DNA and coordinated with volunteers to collect samples for comparison.
- Accepting Inaccuracies: No longer striving for 100% accuracy, he prioritized timely results, knowing that many families would pass away before receiving any news.
History Is Not Just About the Great: The Contributions of Ordinary People
Wen Shaoqing’s view of history has completely changed:
- He now believes that history is shaped by ordinary people. For instance, Han soldiers and nomads fought side by side at the border of Shule, sharing the same graves.
- He emphasizes that historical records often overlook the contributions of ordinary individuals, and their stories need to be told.
- The story of Cui Haizhi, who once deserted his post out of concern for his mother but later joined the army and sacrificed, illustrates that imperfect heroes are just as real and inspiring.
This story shows how technology can not only reveal history but also touch people’s hearts. Wen Shaoqing uses science to give these martyrs their due recognition, reminding us that every ordinary person who has sacrificed deserves to be remembered.