Roman skeleton with skull tumor is found by archaeologists; see more details

In a surprising revelation, a team of archaeologists identified a skull tumor in a Roman-era skeleton in Spain.

The unprecedented find was made in the Sima de las Marcenejas region, in Lastras de Teza, within the autonomous community of Castilla y León.

The discovery, published in the prestigious journal Virtual Archeology Review on July 28, gave scientists new clues about medical conditions and quality of life in Ancient Rome.

Roman skeleton reveals rare tumor and signs of violence

The expedition, led by experts from the National Center for Research on Human Evolution (CENIEH), not only unearthed the skeleton of a Roman man, but also revealed details of his health.

After meticulous analysis, it was confirmed that the individual suffered from a meningioma. This tumor, although benign, is known to affect the meninges, membranes that surround the brain, and has the potential to compress surrounding brain tissues, causing a variety of problems neurological.

In addition to the tumor, the first of its kind identified in the Iberian Peninsula for the period studied, the Experts observed evidence of injuries to the skeleton that suggest violence occurred targeted.

The signs of trauma raise additional questions about the social conditions and dangers of the Roman period.

This finding opens a new field of questioning about the circumstances of the life, and possibly death, of the Roman skeleton.

“The discovery of this cranial tumor is significant as it offers us a rare window into the medical adversities faced by individuals in ancient times,” explained one of the CENIEH researchers.

Roman skull found by archaeologists. (Image: CENIEH/Reproduction)

The fossil, found on a recent expedition, was transferred to the CENIEH facilities, where the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory team carries out in-depth analyses.

Research process

Using an advanced microcomputed tomography technique, researchers compiled hundreds of X-ray images of the skull, constructing a detailed 3D model that allowed close inspection of its interior.

“The results of the microtomography gave us exceptional insight into this individual’s health. The location and morphology of the tumor confirm that it is a meningioma, marking an unprecedented finding for our region”, declared one of the scientists from the project.

Microtomography of the Roman skeleton. (Image: CENIEH/Reproduction)

In addition to the tumor, the “virtual autopsy” revealed four significant cranial injuries that the individual suffered before dying, evidenced by signs of healing.

Notably, three of them, located on the outside of the skull, suggest intentionally inflicted injuries, as their position on the top of the head does not match common accident patterns.