Richard III’s Gruesome Head Injuries: A New Analysis
The Discovery of Richard III’s Skeleton
In 2012, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England: the skeleton of King Richard III. This discovery has shed new light on the life and death of this enigmatic monarch.
Richard III’s Death at the Battle of Bosworth
Richard III was the last English king to die in battle. He met his end at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. A new study published in the Lancet medical journal has analyzed Richard III’s skeleton and revealed the horrific head injuries he sustained in his final moments.
Analysis of Richard III’s Head Injuries
The study found that Richard III suffered a total of nine injuries to his skull, as well as two injuries to his pelvis. The most severe injuries were to the inferior aspect of his skull, likely caused by a sharp force trauma from a sword or staff weapon, such as a halberd or bill. Another penetrating injury was likely caused by the tip of an edged weapon.
These injuries are consistent with near-contemporary accounts of the battle, which suggest that Richard III abandoned his horse after it became stuck in a mire and was killed while fighting his enemies.
Other Injuries and Implications
The researchers also noted that some of the injuries, particularly those to the pelvis, were at strange angles. They believe these may have occurred after Richard III’s death, as his body was being removed from the field of battle.
Interestingly, the skeleton shows no defensive wounds, suggesting that, unlike his royal head, the rest of the king was well-armored.
Reburial of Richard III
Richard III’s skeleton will be re-buried in Leicester Cathedral on March 26, 2015. The discovery of his remains and the analysis of his injuries have provided valuable insights into his life and death, and have helped to paint a more complete picture of this complex historical figure.
Additional Details and Speculations
The researchers were only able to work with the skeleton, so it is possible that Richard III suffered other injuries that were not recorded in the bones. However, the injuries that have been preserved are certainly brutal and indicative of the violent nature of his death.
The strange angles of some of the injuries have led to speculation that Richard III’s body may have been subjected to post-mortem mutilation or desecration. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.
The fact that Richard III’s skeleton shows no defensive wounds suggests that he was not able to defend himself effectively against his attackers. This may have been due to the fact that he was outnumbered and overwhelmed, or it may indicate that he was caught off guard and unable to react.
The discovery and analysis of Richard III’s skeleton has provided a wealth of information about his life and death. It has helped to dispel some myths and shed light on the true nature of this enigmatic king.
