A team of archaeologists affiliated with the University of Aix-Marseille in France conducted a detailed study of a medieval skull found in Italy, dating to the 6th and 7th centuries. Through careful analysis, they identified signs of trepanation—an ancient surgical procedure involving drilling or scraping the skull. The findings, which contribute to the sparse archaeological record of trepanation in this era, were documented in a prominent osteoarchaeology journal and add a rare female case to the historical record.
Researchers describe the subject as a woman who lived into her fifties and who bore witness to at least two cranial surgeries. The discovery stands out because trepanation in this period is infrequently demonstrated, particularly among women. The skull was excavated centuries ago at Castel Trosino, a cemetery site in central Italy, along with the remains of a male partner. The burial was part of a double tomb that also contained personal adornments such as a bronze brooch, a comb, and threads of gold, all of which point to the couple’s high status in their local community.
According to the researchers, the first surgical intervention appears to have been successful, while the second procedure seems to have taken place relatively close to the time of death. Such a sequence implies a sustained medical need or a response to escalating symptoms that could not be managed by non-surgical means. The interpretation highlights not only the technical possibility of trepanation in the medieval period but also the social and personal dimensions of surviving multiple cranial operations.
To bolster their conclusions, the team performed computed tomography (CT) scans that revealed signs of hyperostosis, an abnormal excessive growth of bone. This condition is frequently observed in menopausal women and can accompany a range of health issues, including seizures, chronic headaches, obesity, and diabetes. While the precise intent behind the procedures remains uncertain, the findings suggest that trepanation in this context might have served multiple purposes: relief from debilitating symptoms, diagnostic exploration, and possibly ritual or symbolic aspects tied to health and status within the community.
Overall, the study sheds light on Middle Ages medical practices and gender dynamics in healthcare. It emphasizes that surgical interventions on the skull were not exclusively male pursuits and that women could endure several operations with periods of recovery in between. The combination of grave goods and burial context supports the view that the individuals belonged to a locally influential group, providing a glimpse into the medical care, social structures, and cultural values of their world. The researchers note that the full significance of this case remains a topic for ongoing discussion, inviting further examination of how medieval communities understood health, illness, and the body.