Battle wound as a probable cause of the death of an early medieval horse in Ostrów Lednicki, Poland

Objective

In this paper we interpret a pathology observed in an early medieval horse skull discovered near the abutment of the eastern Gniezno bridge in Ostrów Lednicki in Poland. We consider the possible cause of the observed damage in the context of the armed invasion of the Czech prince Brzetysław and a battle of Ostrów Lednicki.

Materials

A skull of a 10-year-old male horse dated to the 11th century.

Methods

The skull was examined macroscopically and through computed tomography. Metric analysis was performed using digital callipers and the shoulder height was calculated.

Results

A penetrating lesion through the left frontal and nasal bones was observed. The floor and roof of the left conchofrontal sinus were destroyed along with the dorsal ethmoturbinates of the ethmoid labyrinth.

Conclusions

The observed damage was most likely a result of trauma, which caused a fatal haemorrhage rather than sudden death. Considering the historical context and the area where the skull was discovered, it could be a battle wound.

Significance

This case is a rare example of an unhealed peri-mortem lesion in an animal skeleton that can be associated with an immediate cause of death.

Limitations

The lack of a complete skeleton does not allow a complete analysis of horse’s condition and circumstances associated with its death.

Suggestions for further research

Identification of the tool or weapon that was used to deliver the blow.