An unprecedented case of cranial surgery in Longobard Italy (6th–8th century) using a cruciform incision

The Longobard necropolis of Castel Trosino dates from the 6th to 8th century CE. Among tombs excavated, skull an older female shows first evidence a cross-shaped bone modification on living subject. Macroscopic, microscopic, and CT scan analyses revealed signs at least two sets scraping marks. Specifically, SEM analysis that perimortem bone-scraping traces are present skull. Both healed non-healed defects suggest woman has received twice intentional modifications address her condition. This is therapeutic intervention