Telegraph by Sarah Knapton 18 April 2019
The skull of a Crusader which may have been catapulted into the opposition's camp to spread disease and slash morale has been discovered by archaeologists.
Genetic testing showed that the head was from an individual of European and near Easter descent, suggesting his father had met his mother while fighting for Christianity in the Holy Land around the 12 century.
Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators analysed ancient DNA extracted from nine skeletons dating back to the 13th century, which were discovered in a burial pit in Sidon, Lebanon.
All were male and had been violently killed during battle, as seen by the blunt force injuries to their skulls and other bones. Their bodies had been disposed of in the pit and burned.
And nearby, archaeologists also found the isolated skull, which they believe may have been used as a projectile after death to spread fear and disease in the crusaders camp.
More:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2019/04/18/crusader-skull-used-spread-disease-slash-morale-discovered-archaeologists/amp/
