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Fractures in medieval Scotland.
1University of Edinburgh Geriatric Medicine Unit, Royal Infirmary Chalmers Street, Edinburgh.
Scottish Medical Journal
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Medieval Scottish skeletal remains reveal fracture prevalence comparable to modern Scotland. Males faced higher fracture risks, with some showing signs of weapon-inflicted head trauma.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Bioarchaeology
- Medieval History
Background:
- Assessing fracture prevalence in medieval populations provides insights into historical trauma and health.
- Carmelite friaries and Whithorn Abbey offer unique archaeological contexts for skeletal analysis.
Observation:
- Excavations at Carmelite cemeteries (Aberdeen, Perth, Linlithgow) and Whithorn Abbey provided skeletal samples.
- Fracture prevalence was analyzed in relation to burial context (friary vs. abbey) and demographic factors.
Findings:
- The overall prevalence of fractures in the studied medieval Scottish friaries was 7.6%, and 5.0% at Whithorn Abbey.
- These medieval fracture rates are comparable to modern Scottish rates (estimated 7.2% for ages 0-65).
- Males exhibited a higher risk of fractures than females, with evidence of weapon-inflicted head injuries in a subset of individuals.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that medieval fracture rates were similar to contemporary levels, challenging assumptions about historical fragility.
- Skeletal evidence highlights differential risk factors, including sex and potentially social status/lifestyle (rural vs. urban peasants).
- This research contributes to understanding the physical toll of medieval life and the impact of violence or accidents.