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War Wolf trebuchet likely killed medieval siege victim in Scotland

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

University of Bradford anthropologist Jo Buckberry and colleagues identified the first archaeological evidence of a trebuchet killing in Scotland.
Skeleton 150 displayed 61 skull fractures, 57 rib breaks and 167 peri-mortem injuries.
Researchers linked a single high-velocity back blow to a War Wolf trebuchet used in Edward I’s 1304 siege.
Forensic osteologist Lukas Waltenberger described the trauma as convincing and unusually high-force.

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Story summary

University of Bradford anthropologist Jo Buckberry and colleagues identified the first archaeological evidence of a trebuchet killing in Scotland.
Skeleton 150 displayed 61 skull fractures, 57 rib breaks and 167 peri-mortem injuries.
Researchers linked a single high-velocity back blow to a War Wolf trebuchet used in Edward I’s 1304 siege.
Forensic osteologist Lukas Waltenberger described the trauma as convincing and unusually high-force.