The medieval skeleton, known as Skeleton 150, unearthed beneath Stirling Castle's chapel, reveals a grim tale of trebuchet warfare. With over 160 bone fractures, including a severely damaged skull, it's a stark reminder of the brutal reality of medieval combat. This discovery, presented by archaeologist Jo Buckberry, highlights the devastating impact of siege engines like the 'War Wolf', a massive trebuchet built in 1304 CE. The pattern of fractures suggests a single, high-velocity impact, possibly from a trebuchet stone, onto a living individual with forearms flexed and weight-bearing through the lower limbs. While the lack of similar cases leaves room for doubt, the evidence points to a tragic, high-speed collision. This finding underscores the need for further research into medieval blunt force trauma, shedding light on the often-overlooked physical toll of ancient warfare.
