The woman was buried face down with a hole in her head: scientists explained the strange ritual

About 2,000 years ago in ancient Sardinia, a young woman died and was buried face down. Primary

examination of the remains revealed that a nail had been driven into her skull. Further analysis revealed that she suffered from epilepsy. Scientists believe that the unusual funeral ritual and her illness are connected.

Anthropologists believe that the unusual holein the shape of a nail in the skull appeared due to a peculiar medical procedure. A seizure of epilepsy could be considered a contagious condition, so to protect the rest of the inhabitants of the settlement, she was buried face down. The scientists' findings were published in the April issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

Image courtesy of R. Paba

An unusual burial was found in the tomb of the necropolisMonte Luna, a hill located about 30 km north of Cagliari in southern Sardinia. The burial ground was used from the sixth century to the second century BC.

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Cover photo: AM Costa