King Richard III New Evidence of His Spinal Deformity | History Documentary | Reel Truth History

Banijay History・2 minutes read

Scientists discovered King Richard III's skeleton in a Leicester carpark, revealing a severe scoliosis that bent his spine by up to 80 degrees. Through studies on a living subject with similar scoliosis, they aimed to understand Richard's physical condition, diet, combat abilities, and the impact of his health on his reign during the Wars of the Roses.

Insights

  • Richard III had severe scoliosis, bending his spine by up to 80 degrees, impacting his health and combat abilities, yet he still led his army on the battlefield, highlighting his capabilities in various tasks.
  • The investigation into Richard III's physical condition and fighting abilities, including the recreation of medieval combat techniques, provides insights into the challenges faced by monarchs like Richard, shedding light on their roles as warriors despite political responsibilities.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What was the significance of King Richard III's skeleton discovery?

    The discovery of King Richard III's skeleton in a Leicester carpark in 2013 was a groundbreaking moment in history. It shed light on the physical condition of the controversial monarch, revealing a severe scoliosis that bent his spine by up to 80 degrees. This discovery sparked investigations into his fighting abilities and diet, providing valuable insights into his reign and the Wars of the Roses.

  • How did scientists study King Richard III's spine?

    Scientists studied King Richard III's spine by analyzing his skeleton, which revealed a severe scoliosis that bent his spine by up to 80 degrees. They also compared his spine to that of a living subject named Dominic, who had a similar spinal curvature of about 70-75 degrees. This comparison allowed researchers to gain a better understanding of Richard's physical condition and the potential challenges he faced due to his scoliosis.

  • What did the investigation into King Richard III's skeleton reveal about his diet?

    The investigation into King Richard III's skeleton revealed insights into his high-status diet. Analysis of his bones showed that he consumed a diet rich in protein and essential minerals, including lavish foods like pigs, wild fowl, and freshwater fish. Isotope analysis also indicated a significant dietary change in the last three years of his life, possibly due to increased wine consumption. This information provided a detailed portrait of Richard's dietary habits and lifestyle.

  • How did Dominic's physical tests compare to King Richard III's condition?

    Dominic, a living subject with a spine similar to King Richard III's, underwent medical examinations that confirmed the similarity of their spinal curvatures. Dominic's physical tests showed limitations in lung capacity and fatigue due to his scoliosis, similar to what Richard may have faced. This comparison highlighted the potential challenges Richard experienced in terms of physical fitness and combat abilities.

  • What insights did the investigation provide into King Richard III's fighting abilities?

    The investigation into King Richard III's fighting abilities involved training a living subject, Dominic, in medieval combat to test Richard's capabilities. Dominic faced challenges due to his scoliosis, similar to what Richard may have encountered. Despite health issues, Richard could have led his cavalry at Bosworth Field, showcasing that he was not disabled and could fight effectively. This reenactment proved that scoliosis did not hinder Richard's battlefield performance, providing valuable insights into his combat skills and physical capabilities.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Richard III's Spine: Uncovering a King's Secrets"

  • In February 2013, scientists announced the discovery of King Richard III's skeleton in a Leicester carpark.
  • Richard III was found buried under a parking lot, sparking an investigation into his twisted spine and fighting abilities.
  • Scientists studied Richard's spine, revealing a severe scoliosis that bent his spine by up to 80 degrees.
  • A living subject, Dominic, was found to have a spine similar to Richard's, making him a body double for testing.
  • Dominic underwent medical examinations confirming the similarity of his spine to Richard's, with a curve of about 70-75 degrees.
  • Analysis of Richard's bones revealed his high-status diet rich in protein and essential minerals.
  • Dominic's physical tests showed limitations in lung capacity and fatigue due to his scoliosis, similar to what Richard may have faced.
  • Dominic trained in medieval combat to test Richard's fighting abilities, facing challenges due to his scoliosis.
  • The team recreated medieval combat techniques to understand the complexity and technicality of fighting in that era.
  • The investigation aimed to provide a detailed portrait of Richard III's physical condition and fighting capabilities, shedding light on his reign and the Wars of the Roses.

21:55

Medieval warriors face training, armor challenges

  • The importance of sharpness and the intimidating aspect of swords in training are crucial to be aware of due to the potential danger in combat.
  • Richard, as a member of the nobility, couldn't evade his duty as a warrior despite his political and public responsibilities.
  • Monarchs of that era, like Richard, had to find time to train and work with horses, essential for their role.
  • Richard's death leading his army on the battlefield showcased his capabilities in various tasks.
  • Dominic, encased in armor, faces challenges due to the lack of surviving English armor from the 15th century.
  • Dominic collaborates with a renowned armor maker in Sweden to create a functional medieval armor suit.
  • Evidence of Richard's scoliosis challenges previous beliefs about his physical condition, impacting the design of his armor.
  • Richard's fitness might have been compromised by intestinal parasites, affecting his health and combat abilities.
  • The isotope analysis of Richard's bones reveals a significant dietary change in the last three years of his life.
  • Dominic's combat training and horseback riding experiences shed light on the challenges faced by medieval knights like Richard.

42:43

Richard's Lavish Diet and Battle Performance

  • Richard's diet before the Battle of Bosworth was analyzed through isotopes, showing he consumed lavish foods like pigs, wild fowl, and freshwater fish.
  • The Blue Boar Inn where Richard stayed before the battle no longer exists, but isotopes in his ribs suggest a change in water source, possibly due to increased wine consumption.
  • Richard's diet in his last years included a bottle of wine daily, impacting his fitness despite still being a capable fighter and horseman.
  • Dominic Smee, with scoliosis like Richard, successfully reenacted Richard's combat scenarios, proving scoliosis didn't hinder Richard's battlefield performance.
  • Despite health issues, Richard could have led his cavalry at Bosworth Field, showcasing that he was not disabled and could fight effectively.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.