I was wondering if anyone here knows about forensic and/or osteological papers done on skeletons of people who lived in Medieval Europe. Yes, I realize that's a long time period, but whatever periods show up more frequently, that's the time period I'll do my paper on.

I'm trying to focus on class differences on the battlefield through bone wounds. My theory is that rich people had money for higher quality plate and maille while lower class soldiers wouldn't have enough money for plate and probably could only afford more basic armor. Now, if my basic premise is wrong, someone please correct me. The ideal time period would be the High Middle Ages (1000-1300) because (I believe and I could be very wrong) that was the height of the knights. So, therefore, because of the armor differences and transportation differences (horse vs. foot), richer people will have very different injuries than the average soldier.

All in all, I need to know if there is ANY source literature concerning battlefield wounds and/or class hierarchy showing up in the skeleton.

Thanks in advance :)

Have you checked out the battle of Visby/Wisby yet? Since there is a large grave (atypical) there is a lot of good info there.

A quick google yielded:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Visby
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/peter.fairweather/docs/visby.htm
http://www.webscription.net/chapters/14391328...28___4.htm
and many more

Also, this may interest you: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotla...night.html

Blood Red Roses includes extensive technical reports as well as analysis of the injuries and role of armour. You should be able to get that on interlibrary loan.

I can't second that recommendation for Blood Red Roses enough. I think it would be very close to what you're looking for. If you're interested specifically in data concerning plate armor you may consider shifting your focus, or at least including the late middle ages as plate doesn't become common until the mid to late 14th century onward.

Wow, thanks. Blood Red Roses is a great start and looks like exactly what I need!

On Visby, does anyone know of any scholarly articles on the excavation at Visby? I trolled the internet last night and couldn't find any articles on just the excavation at Visby... mind you I didn't do a particularly thorough job either. ;)

the book you are looking for is Armour from the Battle of Wisby 1361 by Bengt Thordeman. It has a chapter on the analysis of the skeletal remains.