(ORDO NEWS) — A team of archaeologists from the University of Aix-Marseille in France analyzed the skull of a medieval woman who lived in 6th-7th century Italy and found evidence of trepanation.
The authors state that she underwent at least two brain surgeries. This is one of the few archaeological evidences that trepanation was performed on women in the early Middle Ages.
The studied skull was discovered at the end of the 19th century in the cemetery of Castel Trosino in central Italy. It belonged to a woman in her 50s.
It was found in a double burial along with male remains, as well as a bronze brooch, comb and gold threads, suggesting that the couple belonged to the local elite.
“We found that the woman survived several surgeries. The first operation was successful. The second was probably carried out shortly before the woman’s death,” the authors noted.
Scientists conducted a CT scan, according to the results of which the woman had signs of hyperostosis (excessive bone growth).
This condition is common in menopausal women and often accompanies other health problems such as seizures, headaches, obesity and diabetes.
Perhaps trepanation was performed for medicinal purposes, but it could also have ritual significance.
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