Ancient Skull Reveals Violent Death and Cranial Modification

Archaeologists in Iran have made a stunning discovery: the skull of a young woman from over 6,000 years ago, bearing the marks of both cranial deformation and a fatal injury. This find offers a rare window into the violent realities and cultural practices of a prehistoric society.

A Glimpse into the Past

Excavations at Chega Sofla, a prehistoric cemetery located in western Iran, have yielded the skull of a young woman, designated BG1.12. This remarkable artifact provides unique insights into the lives and deaths of people from the Copper Age, between 4700–3700 BCE.

The skull demonstrates signs of intentional head shaping, a practice known as cranial modification. It also shows evidence of a lethal injury. The researchers, Mahdi Alirezazadeh and Hamed Vahdati Nasab, described their examination in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.

“The impact was most likely inflicted with a broad-edged tool, which did not penetrate the skull but was so forceful that it fractured it and caused a fatal injury.”

—Mahdi Alirezazadeh and Hamed Vahdati Nasab, Researchers

Globally, approximately 10% of human remains from archaeological sites show evidence of cranial modification, indicating the prevalence of this practice across different cultures and time periods (Nature, 2023).

The Science Behind the Discovery

The researchers determined the young woman, BG1.12, underwent cranial banding from a young age. This cultural practice involved wrapping an infant’s head to produce an elongated shape. While primarily symbolic, this process affects the skull’s biomechanics.

Using CT scans, the team identified a perimortem fracture on the skull. The absence of healing indicated the injury occurred at the time of death. The type of injury suggests a blunt object was used.

Significance of the Find

The discovery underscores the complexity of early societies in the Persian Gulf region. It shows how these communities lived, constructed, and died. The research is part of the Zohreh Prehistoric Project, directed by archaeologist Abbas Moghaddam.

While the reason for the blow remains unknown, this discovery offers insight into violence in early societies. The find continues to illuminate the interplay between cultural tradition and individual tragedy.