Post by JoannaL on Sept 18, 2019 16:55:55 GMT -5
Medieval Skeleton shows Signs of Torture on 'The Wheel'
A Medieval skeleton shows “signs of decapitation” and is believed to be the first case of a “torture wheel” in Italy. The research, published in The Journal of Archaeological Science, indicates the skeleton, believed to that of a male between 17- and 20-years-of-age dating to AD 1290-1430, along with 56 other individuals, were discovered in Milan.
According to the abstract, “The anthropological and osteological analyses highlighted symmetrical multiple perimortem fractures of ulnae, radii, tibiae and fibulae both on the right and left side. In addition, signs of decapitation were found on the occipital bones. Evidence from the anthropological and historical analyses led to the hypothesis of an execution by the wheel, a specific type of torture at that time. This case describes for the first time the remains of a victim of the wheel and underlines the importance of archaeology and anthropology in reconstructing cases of violation of human rights in the past.”
The femur and humerus bones in the man’s legs and arms were shattered in a particular manner, the researchers found. There was also a stab wound in his back, as well as the aforementioned evidence of decapitation. In addition, buckles were discovered next to the bones, likely from the torture wheel itself.
It is believed that death by torture was common at the time in medieval Italy, however, the marks left on the skeleton of the young male have led researchers to believe this case was exceptionally terrifying, i.e., a “violent death.”
It is impossible to determine why this man was put to death using the torture wheel, but the researchers suggest it may have been because of his appearance: he had buck teeth and was in excess of 4-inches below the average man in height.
The skeletons, which range from the Roman Empire all the way to the 16th century, were recovered from the archaeological site of San Ambrogio Square.
Sources: Chris Ciaccia, Fox News, September 18, 2019, and The Journal of Archaeological Science.