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Sharp Force Trauma Death in a Young Individual From Medieval Gloucester.
Satu Valoriani1, Constantine Eliopoulos, Matteo Borrini
1From the School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|April 12, 2017
Summary
Forensic analysis of medieval skeletal remains revealed a young male, aged 17-19, who died from interpersonal violence. Trauma patterns suggest defensive wounds inflicted by a sword.
Area of Science:
- Osteology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
Background:
- Analysis of skeletal remains from the late medieval period St Owen cemetery in Gloucester.
- Investigation into the cause of death for a young male individual.
Observation:
- The skeleton, aged 17-19, exhibited antemortem pathologies including iron-deficiency anemia and Schmorl nodes.
- Three distinct cut marks were identified on the cranium, left radius, and right scapula.
Findings:
- Trauma analysis indicates wounds consistent with defensive action, likely inflicted by a heavy weapon such as a sword.
- This individual is the only one in the collection showing evidence of trauma, suggesting interpersonal violence.
Implications:
- Provides insight into violent encounters and their skeletal evidence in the late medieval period.
- Highlights the importance of bioarchaeological methods in reconstructing individual life histories and causes of death.