Recovery and study of human remains at the Chapel of S. Domenico – Al-Tahira Cathedral, Iraq: Medico-legal and forensic anthropological investigations

Introduction: The Chapel of St. Dominic of the Cathedral of ‘Al-Tahira’ in Qaraqosh (Iraq) allegedly contained human remains belonging to two victims, 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: Italian forensic anthropologists and pathologists conducted excavations, discovering skeletal remains identified as two individuals (C1 and C2). Bones were analysed for sex, age, height, and dental traits, and underwent microscopic examination. Anatomically repositioned remains were scanned via CT, and facial reconstructions were made. The cause and manner of death were hypothe-sised. Results: An extensive fracture complex with transverse orientation was observed in the occipital region of C1. C2 showed cranial disintegration, with fracture fragments affecting the structures of the left neuro-and splanchnic skull, and to a greater extent, the left hemifacial, orbital, and zygo-matic regions and the same side of the face. In addition, no bones attributable to the left hand of C2 were found. Discussion: Concerning 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.