A new DNA test can restore at least part of the identity of long-dead people who left no trace of their image, scientists reported Monday.

The technique has revealed the hair and eye colors of unknown individuals slaughteredh by the Nazis and of a mystery woman buried alongside monks in a mediaeval crypt, they said.

"This system can be used to solve historical controversies where color photographs or other records are missing," said Wojciech Branicki from Poland's Institute of Forensic Research in Krakow.