Osteological Analysis of Victims of the Yue Penalty During the Warring States Period (475-221 bce) in Shandong, China

This study focused on two individuals with lower limbs amputated from the Warring States period (475–221 bce) in the Qinglanfu Cemetery in Linzi, Shandong. Through macroscopic observation, measurement, and CT scanning, we found that M871 was a 35 to 39-year-old female whose left tibia and fibula were amputated at the distal end with healed signs, whereas M932 was a male around 35 years old, with both lower limbs amputated at the distal end. The healing conditions show that both individuals survived the amputation. It is inferred that they suffered limb amputation because of the Yue penalty. This study is the only amputation case in the Qi State and the only bilateral lower limb amputation case discovered in China to date, which provides important evidence for exploring the Yue penalty in ancient China and, in particular, insight into the penal system of the Qi state during the Chinese Warring States period.