Researchers believe they have identified the earliest archaeological evidence of trauma caused by a trebuchet.
The discovery was made during analysis of several skeletons unearthed beneath the chapel of Stirling Castle, Scotland, during excavations in 1997. Five of the burials, all dating to the early 14th century, bore signs of violent injuries. Of particular note was Skeleton 150, which belonged to a man aged 22-34, and featured 160 fractures incurred around the time of death, including 61 breaks in the skull (pictured), a deep zigzag-shaped break to the shoulder, and almost 60 unusual breaks to the ribs, as well as extensive injuries to the rest of his body.
Recent examination of the skeleton, led by Jo Buckberry at the University of Bradford, involved radiography, microscopy, and micro-CT scanning, in addition to macroscopic analysis. The results ruled out other possible causes of injury, such as a fall from height, trampling by a horse, or damage after burial. On searching for comparisons in medical literature and anatomical collections, the researchers found that the closest parallels were individuals who had been involved in car crashes or train collisions. They ultimately concluded that Skeleton 150 must have suffered a high-velocity, high-force impact from behind, consistent with impact from a trebuchet projectile.
Stirling Castle was the location of several military campaigns during the period in question, including an extended siege carried out by Edward I in 1304. Documentary evidence testifies to the use of siege engines during this event, recording that 13 catapults and trebuchets pelted the castle with projectiles for three months. The siege eventually came to an end on the completion of one of the largest trebuchets ever built. Nicknamed ‘The War Wolf’, this machine fired a 140kg missile at Stirling Castle, easily shattering the fort’s curtain wall.
Although there are no written records of trebuchet casualties during the siege of 1304, Buckberry argues that Skeleton 150’s injuries strongly suggest that he was hit by a flying boulder from a trebuchet during this event.
