Work

A Healed Arrowhead Injury in a Celtic Elite Burial Near the Heuneburg, Germany: Insights Into Ancient Warfare and Healthcare Practices

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Utilizing imaging techniques opens new avenues for diagnosing paleopathological findings in archaeological human skeletal remains. This study presents a case of severe perforating trauma on the left ischial bone of an adult male Celtic elite burial from the late Hallstatt period, discovered within the central chamber of a burial mound near the Heuneburg hilltop settlement in southwest Germany. Despite the gravity of the injury, evidence of complete healing suggests meticulous medical intervention and intensive healthcare, indicative of the elevated social status accorded to elites during this period. Employing computer tomographic scanning, we created a three‐dimensional virtual negative imprint of the lesion and identified it as likely resulting from an arrowhead. Comparative analysis of the imprint with archaeological arrowheads typical for the era and region suggests a probable association with warfare rather than hunting purposes. This case study contributes to our understanding of protohistoric medical treatment practices and warfare techniques prevalent during the Hallstatt period.

Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology

DOI: 10.1002/oa.3395

Authors: Michael Francken, Carolin Röding, Hannes Rathmann

Institutions: Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment, University of Tübingen

Language: English

Topic: Paleopathology and ancient diseases

Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Nature