A 750-year-old skeleton has definitively revealed the brutal assassination of Béla, Duke of Macsó, a Hungarian nobleman. Forensic analysis confirms he was stabbed over two dozen times by at least three assailants wielding a saber and a long sword. The findings, published in Forensic Science International: Genetics, shed new light on a medieval murder mystery that has lingered for centuries.
The Long-Lost Remains and Initial Confusion
The skeleton was first discovered in 1915 during an archaeological dig at a 13th-century monastery on Margaret Island, near Budapest. Historical records suggested the remains belonged to Béla, grandson of King Béla IV, who was assassinated in 1272. However, the bones went missing during World War II, only to be rediscovered in a museum in 2018. Initial radiocarbon dating created confusion: the results indicated the remains predated Béla’s birth.
Resolving the Dating Anomaly
Researchers addressed the dating issue by considering Béla’s likely diet. Medieval nobility often consumed large quantities of seafood, which can skew radiocarbon results due to the “reservoir effect.” Aquatic animals accumulate ancient carbon, making their tissues (and the bones of those who consume them) appear older than they are. Adjusting for this marine diet brought the dating into alignment with Béla’s known lifespan.
Genetic Confirmation
DNA analysis further solidified the identification. Comparing the skeleton’s DNA with that of Béla’s known relatives – King Béla III and Ladislaus I – confirmed the remains belonged to the Duke of Macsó.
A Gruesome Reconstruction of the Attack
The forensic analysis revealed a coordinated and violent assassination. Béla sustained defensive wounds on his arms and hands, suggesting he was unarmed and caught off guard. The depth of the cuts indicates he wore no armor. The attack likely began from the front, with the initial blows targeting his head and upper body. At least two assailants were involved: one wielding a saber and another a long sword.
The sequence of injuries suggests Béla reeled from the first strikes, was hit from the side, and fell, likely striking his head. He attempted to defend himself, but was ultimately paralyzed by a stab wound to the back and finished off with further blows to the head.
The Forensic Signature of Overkill
The sheer number of injuries exceeded what was necessary to kill Béla, a phenomenon known as “overkill” in forensic contexts. This suggests the attack was fueled by intense hostility.
Historical Context: Power Struggles and Betrayal
Historical accounts point to Henrik Kőszegi, a former friend and mentor of Béla, as the likely orchestrator of the assassination. Their relationship deteriorated after a lost battle, and Béla, as a potential claimant to the throne, was perceived as a threat by rival noble factions. The murder appears to have been both politically motivated and deeply personal.
Expert Validation
Forensic scientist Eleanor Graham, unaffiliated with the study, confirmed the identification and the validity of the findings, even acknowledging the initial radiocarbon dating discrepancy. The brutal nature of the injuries aligns with historical accounts of the Duke’s demise.
The forensic reconstruction of Béla’s assassination offers a chilling glimpse into the violent power struggles of medieval Hungary, underscoring the ruthlessness with which political rivals were eliminated
