XPost: alt.history, alt.health, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-viking-skulls-ct-scans-reveal.html
Viking skulls inspected with CT scans reveal severe morbidity
Sweden's Viking Age population appears to have suffered from
severe oral and maxillofacial disease, sinus and ear
infections, osteoarthritis, and much more. This is shown in
a study from the University of Gothenburg in which Viking
skulls were examined using modern X-ray techniques.
About a year ago, researchers published a report based on
the examination of a large number of teeth from the Viking
Age population of Varnhem in the Swedish province of
Västergötland. Varnhem is known for its thousands of
ancient graves and excavations of well-preserved skeletons.
Now, odontologists at the University of Gothenburg have
taken this research further, looking at not only teeth but
also entire skulls, by using modern computed tomography,
also known as CT scans.
The results, presented in BDJ Open, suggest that the 15
individuals whose skulls were examined suffered from a
broad range of diseases. The CT scans show pathological
bone growths in the cranium and jawbone, revealing
infections and other conditions.
Several individuals showed signs of having suffered from
sinus or ear infections that left traces in the adjacent
bone structures. Signs of osteoarthritis and various dental
diseases were also found. All the skulls came from adults
who died between 20 and 60 years of age.
. . .
In the movies, vikings are big strong beautiful people.
However, plainly, health was horrific back in those days.
Nothing but crap medicines. Almost nothing to do
surgically without killing the patient. Disease
organisms rampant. It was a short PAINFUL life.
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