Cranial trauma signs in early byzantine period

Abstract

Early Byzantine age comprise of 4-6th centuries AD. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the trauma signs in skulls belonging to early Byzantine period and to investigate the possible causes of these traumas. Two hundred and sixty two skeletons dated to 6th century AD were excavated between 1979 and1987 from the Iasos Archaeological site. Among these skeletons, 7 osteologically intact skulls were examined morphologically and radiologically. All skulls were analyzed by 3-D computed tomography. Significant trauma sign was observed in 4 of 7 skulls. Among these signs, two were depression fracture, one was penetrating trauma and one was multiple linear fracture. In addition, possible trepenation signs were observed in an incomplete skull. The possible causes of these signs were individual violence and accidents but not wars, because these signs were not observed in other bones and this location was not a war site during the early Byzantine period. Head traumas were in various types during the antiquity, similar to present time. More detailed anthropological studies are needed to demonstrate the possible causes of these traumas and treatment techniques.