Before He Died, Richard III Lived Large

Richard III was only 32 years old when he was struck down at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. But according to new research, the King of England at least enjoyed some good eating throughout his life—especially in the few years leading up to his death. Scientists from the British Geological Survey and the University of Leicester analyzed Richard III's teeth, his femur and his ribs to see what they could reveal about the monarch's diet, Phys.org reports. They used isotope analysis to identify chemical signatures that correspond with certain foods and geographic locations. His rib—which has the fastest renewal rate and therefore the most recent isotopic signature—showed that he led a pretty fancy lifestyle in the two to five years preceding his death.