Ancient Skeleton Believed to be First Catapult Victim of Siege
A 700-year-old skeleton, found pinned to the ground, is believed to be the first known victim of a medieval catapult during a siege.

New York, NY, August 22, 2026 —
Archaeologists have uncovered a 700-year-old human skeleton believed to be the first known victim of a medieval catapult during a siege. The remains were discovered pinned to the ground, suggesting a violent end during historical conflict.
The skeleton’s position and the context of its discovery point towards it being struck by a projectile launched from a catapult. This finding offers a rare and grim glimpse into the brutal realities of medieval warfare. The exact location and circumstances of the discovery have not been fully detailed, but the age of the remains places the event around the early 14th century.
Further analysis of the skeleton and the surrounding site is expected to provide more definitive evidence and potentially shed light on the specific siege during which this individual met their end. The discovery marks a significant, albeit somber, contribution to our understanding of siege warfare tactics and their devastating impact on individuals.
Story summarized from the original created by Ben Cost on nypost.com, see more information here.
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