Ep 4. The Woman and Three Babies

In History Cold Case season 2 episode 4, titled "The Woman and Three Babies," forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black and her team tackle a mystery that dates back to the late medieval period. The show delves into the story of a woman and her three infants who were buried together in a single grave.

The episode begins with the discovery of the remains in the ruins of a Scottish church. Professor Black and her team analyze the bones and use the latest forensic techniques to establish the age, sex, and cause of death of the mother and her three babies. They also examine the grave goods buried with them, including a rare religious artifact, to provide more clues about the burial.

The team makes some extraordinary discoveries about the remains. They find that one of the babies died shortly after birth, while the other two were older infants who died at different times. Additionally, they are able to establish that the mother suffered from a traumatizing event which ultimately resulted in her death. Alongside this, the scientists are able to work out where the woman came from and how wealthy her family was, offering a glimpse into her past.

Throughout the episode, the scientists delve deeper into the interesting and complex context of familial relationships in Scotland between 1400 and 1600. They talk to experts in the field as well as historians to gain insight into the cultural practices of that time period. The show reveals how difficult it was for women at that time to care for themselves and their infants during childbirth, often resulting in high maternal and infant mortality rates.

As the experts work through the clues and piece together the identity of the woman and her children, they unravel a web of different theories and possibilities. The team uses various approaches to establish the most plausible scenario, including analyzing the isotopes in the bones to determine where the family lived and their diet. After piecing together a host of different evidence, the team is finally able to establish the identities of the woman and her children, and bring a new level of understanding to their story.

"The Woman and Three Babies" is a fascinating episode that delves deep into the lives of a medieval woman and her children. The show sheds light on the often-forgotten struggles faced by women during this time in history and provides a unique insight into the life of someone who lived over five centuries ago. History Cold Case season 2 episode 4 is a must-watch for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and the use of forensic techniques for solving mysteries from the past.