Il contributo delle indagini palinologiche alla scoperta delle cause di morte di Cangrande della Scala, Signore di Verona (1291-1329)

Results are here presented concerning palynological analyses carried out over two samples taken from the Prince’s corpse, particularly from left hemi-abdomen and rect-intestine. The preservation state of identified granules is good; the pollen concentration is rather low. Pollen granules of camomile/Matricaria camomilla, black mulberry/Morus nigra, digitalis cf. red/Digitalis cf. purpurea and fern/Pteridophyta have been recognised. The identification of pollen remains in Cangrande’s intestine could indicate that he was given either one or more medicinal camomile, black mulberry and fern based infusions/beverages in order to relieve colic and stomach and intestine cramps. It is more difficult to interpret the presence of digitalis; in fact the death of the Prince is probably due to an overdose of digitalis but a doubt remains whether this overdose was accidental or intentional.