Trepanning on Mediaeval Gamzigrad — Felix Romuliana

A rare case of medieval trepanning, or surgical drilling into the skull, has been identified at Gamzigrad-Romuliana. The discovery, made through archaeological excavations between 1974 and 1992, reveals a well-healed trepanation on the left parietal bone of a male skeleton aged up to 45 years, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. This finding sheds light on medieval surgical practices and the survival rates of such procedures in the region. The study analyzed 132 skeletons from three excavation sites within and around the palace complex, employing anthropological techniques to assess skeletal remains. The trepanation was performed using an old filling technique, indicating advanced but traditional surgical methods during that era.

Mikić, Ž. (2010). Trepanning on Mediaeval Gamzigrad — Felix Romuliana. Arheologija I Prirodne Nauke, 6, 185–197. https://doi.org/10.18485/arhe_apn.2010.6.10