Recovery and study of human remains at the Chapel of S. Domenico - Al-Tahira Cathedral of the Syro-Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul located in Quaraqosh, Iraq: Medico-legal and forensic anthropological investigations.

Abstract

Introduction: The Chapel of St. Dominic of the Cathedral of 'Al - Tahira' in Qaraqosh (Iraq) allegedly contained human remains belonging to two martyrs, according to the testimonies of locals. In this article, the authors discuss the recovery and study of human remains that took place there in May 2022.

Methods: A team of Forensic Anthropologist and Forensic Pathologists from Italy were involved in the excavations, which allowed discovery of skeletal remains referred to two individuals (here named C1 and C2). Their position was first described, then each bone remain was examined also inferring information about sex estimation, height calculation, age at death calculation, and dental formula. Bone elements underwent microscopic examination, and the identity of the two remains found was investigated through genetic analysis. Both anatomically repositioned bone remains were subjected to CT examination, and facial reconstructions of the two individuals were performed. Circumstantial data were also acquired. Finally, the cause and manner of death were hypothesized.

Results: In the occipital region of C1, the presence of an extensive fracture complex with transverse orientation was observed. C2 showed a cranial disintegration with fracture fragments affecting the structures of the left neuro- and splanchnic skull and to a greater extent the left hemifacial, orbital, zygomatic regions and thethe same side of the face. In addition, no bones attributable to those of the left hand of C2 were found.

Discussion: With reference to C1, nothing precludes that the death occurred due to severe blunt-fracture trauma with greater expression at the level of the cranial district. On the other hand, it seems reasonable to assume that C2 was the victim of an assault in which his left hand was amputated, he was beaten and pierced by a bayonet, and finally he was killed with a rifle shot to the head.