Buried Truths: How Forensic Archaeology Uncovers the Past (Part 2)

 

In this second article, we’ll dive into two more significant forensic archaeology cases that have revealed historical and criminal truths.

Case 3: The Franklin Expedition (1845, Arctic Canada)

Lost in the Arctic

In 1845, the Franklin Expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, set sail to find the Northwest Passage through Canada’s Arctic. After a year without communication, both ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, were lost, and the entire crew of 129 men perished under mysterious circumstances.

Unearthing Clues in the Frozen Wastes

It wasn’t until 2014 that the wreckage of the HMS Erebus was discovered, followed by the HMS Terror in 2016. Forensic archaeologists and anthropologists were able to analyze the skeletal remains of the crew and artifacts recovered from the wrecks.

• Skeletal remains from mass graves on King William Island revealed evidence of lead poisoning, likely caused by the expedition’s canned food, which was improperly prepared and contaminated.
• Signs of cannibalism were found in the bones, and evidence pointed to the crew’s desperate attempts to survive after they were stranded in the frozen Arctic.
• Forensic archaeologists also uncovered personal belongings, which helped tell the crew's final story.

Significance

This case provided crucial insight into the tragic end of the Franklin Expedition, adding to the history of exploration and survival in the Arctic.

Case 4: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (France, World War I)

A Soldier’s Final Resting Place

During World War I, many soldiers were killed in trenches or battles, leaving their bodies unmarked or unidentified. In France, one soldier’s remains were selected to represent all the fallen soldiers and were placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Forensic Investigation of World War I Remains

While the identity of the soldier remains a mystery, forensic archaeology has been used in recent decades to analyze the remains of other World War I soldiers.

• Forensic anthropologists have analyzed the bones of soldiers buried in mass graves across Europe, using dentition and DNA analysis to help identify fallen soldiers.
• Excavations of old battlefields have unearthed bullets, shell casings, and even military dog tags, helping to document the soldier’s fate and their role in the conflict.

Significance

These forensic archaeological efforts not only honor the fallen soldiers but also provide personal closure for families of soldiers whose identities remain unknown.

Conclusion of Part 2

Forensic archaeology continues to uncover profound truths about the past. In our final article, we’ll look ahead at how new techniques and technologies are reshaping the way we uncover buried histories.

“This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or investigative advice. Readers should verify facts from multiple sources.”