Iron Age Surgeons Fixed a Woman’s Shattered Jaw With Primitive Prosthetic—and She Survived
A 2,500-year-old skull unearthed from a burial site in southern Siberia has revealed evidence of what appears to be ancient jaw surgery and the use of a prosthetic device. The discovery, made possible by modern CT scanning technology, offers a rare glimpse into the medical practices of the Pazyryk culture, a nomadic people from the Iron Age.
Unearthing a 2,500-Year-Old Medical Mystery
The remains were originally excavated in 1994 from a small cemetery on the Ukok Plateau. Researchers revisited the mummy over 30 years later, utilizing a CT scan to examine the skull without disturbing the fragile remains. This non-destructive technique, as described by Vladimir Kanygin, head of the university’s Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine, “acted as a ‘time machine,’ providing non-destructive access to anatomical structures.”
The CT scans revealed severe trauma to the woman’s right temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a critical component of the jaw. The injury was so extensive that researchers believe she would have been unable to eat or speak without intervention. Further examination revealed thin canals drilled into the TMJ and the presence of an “elastic material” believed to be a surgical ligature – potentially made of horsehair or animal tendon – used to stabilize the jaw.
A Testament to Resilience
Remarkably, the scans also showed evidence that the woman survived for a considerable period after the surgery. Damage to her teeth indicated she adapted to chewing primarily on her left side. New tissue growth within her mouth suggests the prosthetic, while likely painful, allowed her some degree of jaw movement and function.
The cause of the initial injury remains unknown, though a fall from a horse – a plausible scenario given the nomadic lifestyle of the Pazyryk people – is a possibility. Archaeologists note that this discovery isn’t entirely unexpected, as the Pazyryk were already known to have a nuanced approach to death and injury, exemplified by finds like the “Siberian Ice Maiden” with her remarkably preserved tattoos.
Cultural Values Reflected in Care
The woman’s burial, while considered “ordinary” compared to that of the Siberian Ice Maiden, still involved interment in a wooden coffin – a valuable resource in the region. This suggests that despite potential limitations caused by her injury, she was still afforded respect and dignity in death. Natalia Polosmak, an archaeologist with the Russian Academy of Sciences, noted that in this society, “everyone was valued in life simply for their existence and honored after death.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pazyryk culture known for?
The Pazyryk culture, a nomadic population from the Iron Age, was known for its skilled craftsmanship, particularly in creating sophisticated leather goods. They also demonstrated a nuanced response to injuries and death.
What did the CT scans reveal about the woman’s injury?
The CT scans revealed severe trauma to the woman’s right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and evidence of surgery to stabilize the jaw using a ligature, potentially made of horsehair or animal tendon. The scans also showed she survived for a period after the surgery.
How did researchers determine the woman survived after the surgery?
Researchers observed that the woman’s teeth on the left side were severely damaged, indicating she adapted to chewing primarily on that side. New tissue growth inside her mouth also suggested continued use of the jaw.
What further research might reveal about the Pazyryk people’s medical knowledge and surgical techniques remains to be seen, but continued analysis of this and other archaeological finds could offer valuable insights into the history of medicine.