Francesco Mallegni, Gabriele Mallegni

Analisi biologiche dei resti scheletrici di San Giuseppe da Copertino

Introduction

Analisi biologiche dei resti scheletrici di san giuseppe da copertino. Analisi biologica e antropologica dei resti scheletrici di San Giuseppe da Copertino. Scopri un uomo robusto, atletico, e la sua vita di privazioni e fenomeni enigmatici.

Abstract

We present the study of a peculiar case of the skeletal remains of an individual who was later recognised as a saint. According to the stories of his life he suffered a life of deprivation accompanied by physical phenomena that often considered as supernatural events. These events at least are not well defined from the scientific point of view. Anthropological analysis only allows us to conclude that this individual was a very virile, robust, almost athletic man, inspite of having lead by his own choice, a quite tormented life markedby what, we dare to say, were heroic deprivations. His facial lineaments, which in also define him as very virile, were reconstructed through the cast of his face made immediately after his death.

Review

This study addresses a fascinating and often under-explored area: the bioarchaeological investigation of historical figures, particularly those elevated to sainthood. The title clearly indicates the subject matter – the skeletal remains of San Giuseppe da Copertino – and the general approach, "biological analyses." The abstract immediately captures attention by highlighting the discrepancy between historical narratives of a life marked by extreme deprivation and "supernatural events," and the potential for scientific analysis to shed light on the physical reality of such an individual. This promises a compelling intersection of history, hagiography, and bioanthropology, offering unique insights into health, resilience, and the human condition in a specific historical context. The core strength presented in the abstract lies in its definitive anthropological conclusion: that San Giuseppe da Copertino was a "very virile, robust, almost athletic man." This finding provides a significant counterpoint to the narrative of a tormented life of "heroic deprivations," suggesting a remarkable physical constitution or perhaps a resilience that allowed him to endure his chosen lifestyle. The mention of facial reconstruction from a post-mortem cast adds an interesting visual dimension. However, the abstract is somewhat limited in its methodological detail, simply stating "anthropological analysis" without elaborating on the specific techniques (e.g., osteometry, paleopathology, markers of stress or activity) used to arrive at these conclusions. Furthermore, while the abstract rightly notes that "supernatural events" are "not well defined from the scientific point of view," it could more explicitly frame how the biological findings *relate* to, or contrast with, the *narrative* of these events and the perceived suffering, rather than simply stating they are outside scientific scope. To fully realize its potential, the complete paper should provide a much more detailed account of the "anthropological analysis," clearly outlining the methods employed for age, sex, stature, robusticity assessment, and any paleopathological findings that contribute to the "virile, robust" profile. A critical discussion is warranted regarding how the biological evidence either corroborates, challenges, or offers a nuanced interpretation of the historical narratives of deprivation. For instance, did his robust physique enable his endurance, or does it suggest that the deprivation, while self-imposed, was not as physically debilitating as one might assume? A more rigorous integration of the bioarchaeological data with the historical and hagiographical context, avoiding subjective descriptors like "heroic deprivations" in the scientific findings, will significantly enhance the paper's scholarly contribution and allow readers to fully appreciate the complex life of this intriguing historical figure.

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