Cranial trephination and infectious disease in the Eastern Mediterranean: The evidence from two elite brothers from Late Bronze Megiddo, Israel

PLoS One. 2023 Feb 22;18(2):e0281020. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281020. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Here we present the paleopathological profiles of two young adult males, identified as brothers through ancient DNA analysis, who were buried together beneath the floor of an elite early Late Bronze Age I (ca. 1550-1450 BC) domestic structure at the urban center of Megiddo (modern Israel). Both individuals displayed uncommon morphological variants related to developmental conditions, and each exhibited extensive bone remodeling consistent with chronic infectious disease. Additionally, one brother had a healed fracture of the nose, as well as a large square piece of bone cut from the frontal bone (cranial trephination). We consider the potential etiologies for the appearance of the skeletal anomalies and lesions. Based on the bioarchaeological context, we propose that a shared epigenetic landscape predisposed the brothers to acquiring an infectious disease and their elite status privileged them enough to endure it. We then contextualize these potential illnesses and disorders with the trephination procedure. The infrequency of trephination in the region indicates that only selected individuals could access such a procedure, and the severity of the pathological lesions suggests the procedure was possibly intended as curative to deteriorating health. Ultimately, both brothers were buried with the same rites as others in their community, thus demonstrating their continued integration in society even after death.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases*
  • DNA, Ancient
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Israel
  • Male
  • Siblings
  • Trephining*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Ancient

Grants and funding

The excavation of Burial 16/H/45 was funded by the Shmunis Family Foundation. In 2016 the Megiddo Expedition was also supported by the Dan David Foundation, Mr. Jacques Chahine and Mr. Mark Weissman. Finally, the purchase of the Leica microscope used in this study was possible through the support of the Society for Classical Studies, Women’s Classical Caucus. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.