An unprecedented case of cranial surgery in Longobard Italy (6th –8th century) using a cruciform incision

AbstractThe Longobard necropolis of Castel Trosino dates from the 6th to the 8th century CE. Among the tombs excavated, the skull of an older female shows the first evidence of a cross-shaped bone modification on a living subject. Macroscopic, microscopic, and CT scan analyses revealed signs of at least two sets of scraping marks. Specifically, SEM analysis shows thatperimortem bone-scraping traces are present on the skull. Both healed and non-healed defects suggest that the woman has received at least twice intentional bone modifications to address her condition. This is the first evidence of a cross-shaped therapeutic intervention on a living subject.

Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology - January 31, 2023 Category: Science Authors: Ileana Micarelli, Flavia Strani, Samuel Bedecarrats, Sara Bernardini, Robert R. Paine, Lawrence Bliquez, Caterina Giostra, Valentina Gazzaniga, Mary Anne Tafuri, Giorgio Manzi Tags: SHORT REPORT Source Type: research