Researchers from the Universities of Insubria and Siena, both in Italy, have utilized cutting-edge technology to piece together the sequence of incidents that resulted in the death of a young man over 700 centuries ago in what is now Italy. The team outlines how they employed three-dimensional X-ray images, computed tomography, and precision digital microscopy to better comprehend the circumstances surrounding the death of a young Medieval male in their article that was published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
A decapitated man’s skeleton was discovered in 2006 next to the entrance of an 11th-century Medieval tomb. At the time, scholars hypothesized that the skeleton had most likely formerly belonged to a member of the De Citillio family, who had erected the church, based on the tomb’s position.
The young man’s skeleton was initially examined, and it was determined that he was between the ages of 19 and 24 when he passed away. He had the body of an archer, and a healed wound on his forehead suggested that he had previous military experience. The researchers were able to generate a virtual skull through closer inspection utilizing X-ray, tomography, and digital microscopy, which in turn helped to uncover the most plausible timeline of his death.
The researchers discovered evidence that suggested the young guy had been struck first on the front, top section of his head by a weapon, probably a sword, while he faced his attacker. They did this by looking at the location and angle of the wounds to the skull. It is possible that the victim utilized a barrier to deflect the impact because the wound was not deep. Then, it seems, he turned and started to flee.
However, he was unable to flee and was struck again, this time from behind, close to his ear, and then once more on the back of the neck. The young man appeared to have been struck with enough power to send him to the ground and possibly knock him out. There was one more strike, this one to the top and rear of the skull. The young man was no longer attempting to fend off his attacker, and it was clear from its depth that the attacker was determined to murder his victim. The final strike would have similarly resulted in almost instant death.
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