Ancient surgery performed nearly 1,800 years ago
A skull of a young woman found during a dig in northern Greece has revealed that she had undergone head surgery nearly 1,800 years ago. According to an article published by the Greek daily newspaper, Kathimerini, archaeologists who discovered the skeleton at an ancient cemetery in the town of Veria said the skull bore perforations that indicate emergency surgery had been performed. Evidence shows that the skull belonged to a woman who suffered a severe blow to the head and had died during, or after the operation. Ancient writings contain frequent references to such operations but perforated skulls are rarely found in Greece, scientists said.