Possible First Surgical Procedure Discovered in Viking Era
Archaeologists may have unearthed the earliest evidence of surgical practice, finding a Viking Age human skull with a partial removal. The remains belong to a man estimated to be between 17 and 24 years old, who likely lived in the 9th century, according to reports.
Experts believe the individual underwent trepanation, which is an ancient technique involving drilling holes in the skull to treat ailments like migraines and seizures.
Students from Cambridge University made this discovery during a training excavation at the Wandlebury Iron Age hillfort last year. This finding is significant not just for the surgical evidence but also because this man stood at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches tall, notably above the average height of men during that era, which was around 5 feet 6 inches.
A curator at the Duckworth Institute, Dr. Trish Beers, speculated that the individual might have had a tumor affecting his pituitary gland, leading to excess growth hormone. She pointed out that this could explain the length of his limb bones and other distinctive skeletal features.
Dr. Beers also mentioned that conditions like these can increase intracranial pressure, which often results in severe headaches. It seems the drilling was possibly an effort to relieve that pain—similar to treatments for head injuries we see today.
Mysterious Burial Ground
The burial site was shrouded in mystery, containing both complete and dismembered remains, including fragments of skulls and unsettlingly described “stacked feet.” Researchers excavated four intact skeletons, some positioned in a way that suggested binding.
Archaeologists believe this location might have been the scene of a skirmish, battle, or mass execution, given that many of the young men appear to have been hastily discarded in the grave.
Oscar Aldred from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit noted that the individuals interred might have experienced corporal punishment, potentially linked to Wandlebury’s status as a sacred or renowned gathering spot. He suggested that the dismembered body parts could have been displayed as trophies before being buried alongside those who faced execution or massacre.
