Archaeologists discovered a 4000-year-old child skull in Uzbekistan, bearing traces of trepanation.
This is the oldest confirmed evidence of such surgery in Central Asia.
The remains were found at Jarkutan, a major center of the Oxus civilization from the Bronze Age. The grave contained two children, aged 3 and 5. The older child's skull showed surgical intervention.
Trepanation is one of the oldest surgical procedures in history. It was used for head injuries, epilepsy, and other ailments. In the Bronze Age, it could also have ritual purposes.
Researchers highlight the rarity of such complex surgery on a young child. It indicates that the inhabitants of Jarkutan had deep anatomical knowledge and surgical skills.
The reason for the surgery remains unclear. Possible causes include head trauma, neurological disease, or ritual practice. Future studies will provide answers.
