Modern forensics to solve the case 700 years ago

Intestinal contents medieval ruler and commander Can Grande della Scala, who died 700 years ago, has helped our contemporaries reveal the cause of death.





Expected lifespan in the Middle Ages was about 30 years old. It affects undeveloped medicine, infant mortality, epidemics, military conflicts. 8 years longer lived commander Can Grande della Scala, the ruler of Verona, he was able to stretch up to 38 years, and did not die a natural death. He was a brave warrior descriptions of contemporaries, and at the same time it served as a rallying yard place for scholars and poets, including Dante.

Can Grande della Scala was born in 1291, at age 20 became the ruler of Verona - the city in north-eastern Italy. Through the military skill he captured several areas and attach them to the land of his family. He fought with Padua almost 16 years, and then still captured this city. Triumphal procession in the city of Treviso, which was to change the government, clouded sudden illness. According to rumors, the commander drank water from a poisoned source.

After four days of pain Can Grande della Scala died at the age of 38, July 22, 1329.

In 2004, the body was exhumed from the crypt, where it is perfectly preserved. "Patients» сделали X-ray and computed tomography : they showed the presence of osteoarthritis, tuberculosis, as well as traces of feces in the intestine. The material studied by scientists. Had traces of daisies, black mulberry pollen and digitalis - extracted from this plant digitalis is a dangerous poison in overdose.

Since the known symptoms of the disease - namely diarrhea and vomiting - researchers concluded that this poison was the cause of death, which occurred 700 years ago.

Who was the murderer? The main suspects - neighboring states, Venice and Milan. By poisoning could be involved nephew Can Grande, Mastino, Verona became governor after his uncle's death.





Source: geektimes.ru/post/244103/