Competing Theories for Nail Found in Heel Bone
Clip: Season 21 Episode 2 | 1m 2sVideo has Closed Captions
An osteoarcheologist explores possible explanations for a nail found through a heel bone.
Osteoarchaeologist Corinne Duhig is an expert an unraveling mysteries by studying bones. She wonders whether a nail found through the heelbone of Skeleton 4926 could be an ancient culture’s way of preventing a deceased spirit from wandering, or an accidental blow while constructing a coffin around a body. Ultimately, crucifixion is the only explanation that makes sense.
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SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Competing Theories for Nail Found in Heel Bone
Clip: Season 21 Episode 2 | 1m 2sVideo has Closed Captions
Osteoarchaeologist Corinne Duhig is an expert an unraveling mysteries by studying bones. She wonders whether a nail found through the heelbone of Skeleton 4926 could be an ancient culture’s way of preventing a deceased spirit from wandering, or an accidental blow while constructing a coffin around a body. Ultimately, crucifixion is the only explanation that makes sense.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipCorinne searches for another explanation for the nail through the heel bone.
There is evidence that some cultures nailed down the deceased to prevent their spirit from wandering.
-But when we examine the literature from the Roman period, we never find this kind of example of a foot bone actually being pierced in order to stop that spirit from moving about.
-She also wonders if the nail could have been accidentally hammered into the bone, while a coffin was being built around the corpse.
-It's a bit unlikely, isn't it?
Because you would think if you put nails through it, you would surely stop if you met the bone.
-But only one explanation makes sense.
-I'm beginning to get the awful thought that it could well be a real crucifixion.
Identifying Biological Sex from Skeletal Remains
Video has Closed Captions
Two experts conduct a virtual autopsy on skeletal remains from Roman Britain. (2m 7s)
Video has Closed Captions
Uncover the only evidence of crucifixion in Roman-occupied Britain. (32s)
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.