Scoliosis In Richard The Third

Richard the Third is a monumental piece of history for more than just being the last king of York. Richard died in the battle of Bosworth Field and is known as one of the top fighters of his time. However, years later when a team of anthropologists and archaeologists finally found his lost remains they came across an unbelievable discovery; Richard had extreme scoliosis. Scoliosis is a disease that damages the curvature of the spine leading to other health complications. Richard’s form of this disease was much worse than scientists had seen in years, his spine was bent almost 80 degrees. These scientists then went onto research how a man of this stature can become one of the greatest warriors and leaders in history.
For over 500 years the body of Richard the Third was lost to the world until a group of archaeologists and historians in August 2012 found him under a car park in Lester. In a lot of history books Richard was known to have a curved spine or as we know it now scoliosis however, they never would have guessed it was to the degree they found. His spine was curved up to 80 percent. In texts, they called him weak and feeble but also praise his as one of the greatest warriors and leaders. Once the scientists were able to reconstruct Richard’s …show more content…
This research showed the world people with this disease can live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives with only having to pass a few obstacles. I feel this shows you can still learn a lot from history and studying those who lived in the past not just by written records but also looking at who they were by their bones and even the places they were buried. This research can be useful in other aspects also because if they find another body like this or if someone else has this disease they know the limits the body can go