New Evidence of Prehistoric Neurosurgery in Italy: The Case of Castello Del Tartaro

Archaeological evidence of trepanation during the European Bronze Age is numerous and testifies a wide application of neurosurgical practices during prehistory. In some particular cases, trepanation may be associated with other peculiar evidence concerning funerary practices. The aim of this paper is to present the case of a woman from the Recent Bronze Age site of Castello del Tartaro (Verona, Italy), who was buried in a prone position and whose skeletal remains presented evidence of probable frontal trepanation. The association between a deviant burial and trepanation could be of interest in better understanding the history and perception of neurosurgical practices during prehistory.

Archaeological evidences of trepanation during the European Bronze Age are numerous, and testify a wide application of neurosurgical practices during Prehistory. In some particular cases, trepanations may be associated with other peculiar evidences concerning funerary practices. The aim of this paper is to present the case of a woman from the Recent Bronze Age site of Castello del Tartaro (Verona, Italy), who was buried in a prone position and whose skeletal remains presented evidences of a probable frontal trepanation. The association between a deviant burial and a trepanation could be of interest in better understanding the history and the perception of neurosurgical practices during Prehistory.