Bioarchaeological study of a human skeleton with trepanation discovered in a 7th-19th century necropolis of Iaşi (Romania)

Abstract

This work is focused on a case of trepanation reported in a skeletal sample found in a necropolis from Iaşi (Romania). According to the discovered coins, the time limits of necropolis use are set between the 17th and 19th centuries. In the study, the classical paleoanthropological and paleopathological methods, stereomicroscopy, dental wear, nonmetric dental traits were applied. The skeleton under analysis belonged to an adult male of 35–40 years (middle adult). The preservation status of the skeleton is satisfactory. At the level of the skull (on the parietal bones), two perforations were identified, diagnosed as trepanations. The craniotomy was realized intra-vitam, most probably for medical/ therapeutic purposes. Tripartite Inca bone was reported on the lambdoid suture. Dentition is characterized by moderately advanced predominant wear and antemortem microfractures in both anterior and posterior teeth. The particularities of this individual are defined by the supernumerary roots and the asymmetry of traits in the second upper incisor. Supragingival and subgingival dental calculus (moderate amount) is present at the level of the lower first and second incisors (I1, I2) (labial and lingual surface). At the level of the postcranial skeleton, perforation of the sternum (sternal foramina) and Schmorll’s nodule in three thoracic and two lumbar vertebrae were reported.

Keywords

• bioarchaeological study
• human skeleton
• trepanation
• 17th–19th centuries
• iași (romania)