This week, it has been confirmed through genetic testing that the remains in the imperial tomb located in the Magdeburg Cathedral indeed belong to Otto I, also known as Otto the Great, who reigned from 912 to 973. The testing was conducted by comparing Otto's genetic material with that of his great-nephew Henry II, whose remains are interred in Bamberg Cathedral. This finding aligns both the body and the tomb inscription, a rarity in princely graves, where discrepancies often arise regarding the identities of the interred individuals.

In many instances, tombs may contain the wrong remains, too many bodies, or even none at all. The conditions surrounding Otto I's grave are particularly concerning due to structural issues that were revealed. It has come to light that the walls of the stone sarcophagus are too thin to adequately support the tombstone, leading to a series of repairs conducted by craftsmen over centuries. Many of these repairs involved inserting wooden beams, cementing additional stones, and eventually constructing an iron framework, yet the structural problems persisted.

As of 2024, experts observed cracks in the sarcophagus, raising alarms about its durability and the integrity of the remains it houses. This ongoing deterioration emphasizes the challenges of maintaining historical sites, especially those containing such significant figures as Otto I. The implications of this discovery highlight not only the complexities involved in historical archaeology but also the importance of safeguarding these cultural heritage sites for future generations.