The strange story of the hearts of Kings
FRANCE , 2023, 52’28’’
Direction: Dominique Adt – Co-production: France Télévisions, Capa Presse, Matcha
Philippe Charlier, forensic pathologist and anthropologist, has decided to study two of the most important kings in the history of France: Louis XIII and Louis XIV, father and son, the first known as the Just and the latter as the Sun King, who left the Château of Versailles as his legacy. After consulting exceptional archives and eminent specialists (historians, physicians, scientists), the pathologist draws up the health logs of the two monarchs, and delves into the mysteries of the remains of the two sovereigns: What remains of these two kings? What diseases plagued them? What did they die of?
To solve these enigmas, Philippe Charlier has gained access to some surprising relics! The mummified hearts of Louis XIII and Louis XIV! Are these two relics real? The forensic pathologist will be conducting historical and scientific research in search of the secrets of these mummified organs.
He will also investigate a legend: Pieces of the mummified hearts of the kings of France are said to have been used in paintings…
Micro-ct-canner, scanning electron microscope, Carbon 14, proteomics, palynology, mass spectrometry… Philippe Charlier uses scientific advances to reveal the little-known history of Louis XIII and Louis XIV!
