By analysing mummified faecal matter, researchers have discovered a medieval warlord was poisoned.

Cangrande della Scala was an Italian nobleman, the most famous member of the della Scala family who ruled Verona during the fourteenth century. Nowadays, Cangrande is best known as one of Dante Aligheri’s patrons – part of The Divine Comedy is dedicated to him. 

In the fourteenth century however, he was renowned as a formidable warrior and autocrat. After becoming sole ruler of Verona in 1311, Cangrande conquered several neighbouring cities, namely Vicenza, Padua and Treviso.