A grim archaeological excavation at the site of the Battle of Waterloo has uncovered a harrowing glimpse into the aftermath of one of history’s most famous conflicts, CNN reports.
Researchers from the UK charity Waterloo Uncovered, which combines archaeology with veteran care, have unearthed a “unique battle clearance trench” at the Mont-Saint-Jean farm in Belgium, which served as a field hospital during the epic battle.
The trench contained “deposits of human and animal remains separated by a barrier of ammunition boxes stripped from soldier’s leather satchels,” according to a press release from the University of Glasgow.
Amongst the grisly findings were a pile of amputated human limbs, some still bearing the marks of a surgeon’s saw. Nearby, the team discovered the remains of an ox and at least seven horses, some of which had been butchered while others appeared to have been euthanized with a musket ball to the head.
The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, saw the Duke of Wellington’s combined allied army of 68,000 defeat Napoleon Bonaparte’s French forces, aided by around 45,000 Prussian troops. While thousands perished during the clash, only two complete skeletons have ever been found at the site.
Two years ago, Waterloo Uncovered unearthed a complete human skeleton at the Mont-Saint-Jean farm, believed to be the site of Wellington’s field hospital. The latest excavation has provided further harrowing details of the aftermath.
According to the researchers, there were an estimated 500 limb amputations performed at the field hospital, with approximately 6,000 allied soldiers and French prisoners being treated there. Limb injuries made up 65% of the injuries sustained during the battle.
Tony Pollard, professor of conflict history and archaeology at the University of Glasgow and the charity’s archaeological director, led the team that made the latest discoveries.
“The finds provide a harrowing snapshot of the aftermath of the battle,” said Abigail Boyle, CEO of Waterloo Uncovered. “It may seem counterintuitive to put injured veterans back on a battlefield, but it’s actually extremely beneficial.”
