Braccio da Montone, a celebrated mercenary leader, died on June 5, 1424, after being wounded in a battle near Aquila. Born in 1368, Braccio’s early military career began when his family was exiled from Perugia. He served under notable leaders, seizing key cities including Rome and Bologna. After death, Braccio’s remains were disposed of in Rome and trans-ferred to Perugia in 1432.Historical accounts of his injuries vary. A biography describes multiple wounds, and the captain’s eventual refusal of medi-cal care. Other chronicles provide additional details about his final moments and the funeral treatment of his body.Recent examinations of Braccio’s bones revealed traumatic injuries consistent with these historical accounts. Despite dis-crepancies between historical records, these findings confirm that Braccio’s injuries were severe and likely led to paralysis before death. A skull wound likely caused by a war hammer may have contributed to his death.
Ventura, L., Traversari, M., Bruno, F., Risolo, B., Ricci, A., Giuliani, A. (2026). Traumatic Injuries, Death, and Funeral Treatment of Andrea Fortebracci da Montone (1368-1424) in the Writings of Ancient Chroniclers. MEDICINA NEI SECOLI, 38(2), 99-116 [10.13133/2531-7288/3335].
Traumatic Injuries, Death, and Funeral Treatment of Andrea Fortebracci da Montone (1368-1424) in the Writings of Ancient Chroniclers
Traversari M.;
2026
Abstract
Braccio da Montone, a celebrated mercenary leader, died on June 5, 1424, after being wounded in a battle near Aquila. Born in 1368, Braccio’s early military career began when his family was exiled from Perugia. He served under notable leaders, seizing key cities including Rome and Bologna. After death, Braccio’s remains were disposed of in Rome and trans-ferred to Perugia in 1432.Historical accounts of his injuries vary. A biography describes multiple wounds, and the captain’s eventual refusal of medi-cal care. Other chronicles provide additional details about his final moments and the funeral treatment of his body.Recent examinations of Braccio’s bones revealed traumatic injuries consistent with these historical accounts. Despite dis-crepancies between historical records, these findings confirm that Braccio’s injuries were severe and likely led to paralysis before death. A skull wound likely caused by a war hammer may have contributed to his death.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
