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3D X-Rays Confirm Trebuchet Killed Stirling Castle Victim

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologist Jo Buckberry announced the first confirmed trebuchet killing during the 1304 CE siege of Stirling Castle by King Edward I.
The victim, Skeleton 150, a 22-34-year-old male, suffered over 160 fractures, including 61 skull breaks and 60 rib cracks.
Buckberry’s 3D X-ray micro-CT, X-ray and microscopy showed fractures clustered on the right shoulder and back of the skull, which forensic osteologist Lukas Waltenberger described as a rare high-force, short-duration impact.

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Story summary

Archaeologist Jo Buckberry announced the first confirmed trebuchet killing during the 1304 CE siege of Stirling Castle by King Edward I.
The victim, Skeleton 150, a 22-34-year-old male, suffered over 160 fractures, including 61 skull breaks and 60 rib cracks.
Buckberry’s 3D X-ray micro-CT, X-ray and microscopy showed fractures clustered on the right shoulder and back of the skull, which forensic osteologist Lukas Waltenberger described as a rare high-force, short-duration impact.