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Paleopathologist Jo Buckberry identifies the only known trebuchet casualty in a Stirling Castle skeleton
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A paleopathologist has identified a skeleton found at Stirling Castle as the only known casualty of a trebuchet in history.
This provides the first archaeological evidence of trebuchet trauma on a human body, despite the well-documented use of siege engines in medieval warfare. The extreme blunt force trauma matches modern car crash or train impact injuries, confirming the immense kinetic energy these weapons delivered.
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Skeleton 150 was found beneath the chapel of Stirling Castle with 61 skull fractures and shattered ribs.
Forensic analysis ruled out trampling, cart accidents, and falls, pointing to a massive, high-speed impact.
Trebuchets were designed to breach fortifications rather than target individuals, making this a rare chance hit.
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