Skeletons Show Horrific Injuries from The Battle of Towton (Video)
The Battle of Towton, fought on March 29, 1461, during the Wars of the Roses, was a gruesome and decisive conflict in English history. Archaeological excavations at Towton have revealed a mass grave containing the remains of soldiers who perished in the battle. The analysis of these medieval skeletons provides insight into the uniquely brutal nature of this confrontation. The injuries sustained by the soldiers were horrific and demonstrated the ferocity of the combat. The medieval weapons commonly used during the Wars of the Roses, such as swords, war hammers, poleaxes, and maces, were responsible for causing devastating wounds. Skull fractures, severed limbs, and shattered bones were common findings, indicating the sheer force with which these weapons were wielded.
The intensity of the fighting at Towton can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, both sides were deeply entrenched in a bitter struggle for power, which fueled their determination to win at any cost. Additionally, the battlefield's conditions were harsh, with heavy snow and strong winds reducing visibility and mobility, leading to close-quarter and brutal hand-to-hand combat. The Battle of Towton's scale, savagery, and political significance make it a grim testament to the brutality of medieval warfare.
- England's Bloodiest Battlefield: The Battle of Towton and the Battered Remains of a Medieval Knight
- The Real Life Game of Thrones Part Two: War of the Roses
Top image: Skulls showing battle injuries. Source: Jan / Adobe Stock.
