The use of bone histomorphometry in skeletal identification: the case of Francisco Pizarro

Two lines of approach are utilized in a histomorphometric analysis of a rib sample from the postcranial remains believed to be those of Francisco Pizarro. Using a newly developed age predicting formula, age at death is estimated to be 62 years. This age agrees with several ages reported in historical documents. The histomorphometry of cortical area/total area (C/T) ratio, mean osteonal cross-sectional area, and mean annual Haversian bone formation rate conform to those of a healthy individual in his early sixties.