Head injuries by firearms and sharp weapons in the Battle of San Martino (1859, Italy)

The research was focused on the study of weapon-related traumas in skeletal remains soldiers who died Battle San Martino (Italy, 1859). These are housed monumental ossuary Martino. examination 817 skulls revealed traces injuries 90 skulls, selected and submitted to anthropological studies. aim this work head attributable firearms blade weapons relation armaments military tactics used that period. shape, size, features wounds were macroscopically examined characterize lesions. As regards ballistic traumas, caliber, trajectory projectiles, kind artillery based diameter localization entry exit holes skulls. sharp force identified as linear-edge cuts or pointed results evidenced different types perimortem injuries, principally caused by (79%) with projectiles calibers, mostly ranging between 14 18 mm. Sharp probably bayonets sabers had affected 17.8% remnant 2.2% presented only antemortem Moreover, seven other showed healed lesions, some cases surgically treated, testifying a rather intense war period, capacity survive even severe injuries. higher prevalence gunshot respect is consistent period: hand-to-hand combat restricted bayonet assault unsuccessful compared use efficient ranged weapons. This presents important information war-related armaments, mid-19th century.