- Published: September 29, 2022
- Updated: September 29, 2022
- University / College: The University of Queensland
- Language: English
- Downloads: 25
Medieval period was characterized by the advancement in technology in part of agriculture and technology through various innovations. This advancement led to the flourish of trade and settlement in villages and cities. It also brought war since the advancement of weapons gave kings the urge to expand their territory. It also marked the end of Roman Empire and establishment of Christian kingship in various parts of Europe. Moreover, it marked the beginning of Islamic empire in northern Africa and Asia. Therefore, the main purpose of the Christian kingdoms was to stop the spread of the Islamic empire in Europe. As such, Knights were employed to offer security and protect the people from any invasion. Additionally, the church especially catholic church became a symbol of unity. As a result, churches and cathedral were built in every kingdom. Consequently, formal schools were also started to teach religion and philosophy (Langley et al., 2013).
King Richard III met his death at Bosworth Field battle, during the war of the roses against Henry Tudor. His body was buried at the Greyfriars Friary church (Langley et al., 2013). This signifies the importance of the church at that time. However, the church was demolished hence his tomb was lost. There were speculations that his bones had been thrown to the Soar River. Nevertheless, a search of the Richard’s remain was initiated in August 2012. A potential site of his tomb was discovered at a parking lot in Leicester, England. A team of archeologists led by Phillippa Langley and Michael Jones started exhumation of his remains in September 2012.
The team uncovered a human skeleton which they estimated to belong to a person in his thirties. Through the forensic examinations, the bones’ age coincided with the year king Richard was reported to have died. The bones showed multiple wounds and fractured which match the descriptions of Richard’s death in the battle field. The skeleton structure fit the physical description of King Richard III. The bones were subjected to DNA analysis, and this confirmed that the bones were truly that of King Richard III. The analysis of the remains suggested that the owner of the bones had consumed a lot of seafood during his time when was alive. This suggests that the people at that time engaged in fishing. Thus, fishing was one of the economic activities (Langley et al., 2013).
The injuries on the bones suggested that the weapon used were sharp and made from strong material like iron. Thus, this is in line with the advancement in the technology in weapon manufacturing during the medieval. The king in being battle field suggests that the king had to be someone of strong character who led the people from the upfront. Thus, during a battle, the king would lead the other knight into the battlefield. When the king is defeated, he will be subjected to humiliation by being killed and buried with hands tied at the back (Langley et al., 2013). This is suggested by the bones that were found at the grave site. The bones appeared that king Richard III was buried with his hands tied at his back.
King Richard III burial place was at a church. This shows the people of that area were Christians. Additionally, gives a suggestion that their culture allow them to bury their dead near a church. Additionally, it suggests the people had the culture of bury the remaining of someone in a pit instead of burning the corpse. As such a church was an important place for the people of that time (medieval period) not only for worship their superior being but also as a graveyard (Langley et al., 2013).
Reference
Langley, P., & Jones, M. (2013). The King’s Grave: The Discovery of Richard III’s Lost Burial Place and the Clues it Holds. Macmillan.