Scientists have found evidence of brain extraction in Scotland in the Iron Age

Archaeologists have discovered two 2,000-year-old human skeletons in the northwestern part of Scotland, the study of which revealed unusual ritual practices of the Iron Age. The remains of a woman and a teenager have preserved traces of brain extraction and deliberate sharpening of limb bones. This was reported by Popular Science magazine on June 10.

Researchers from the University of York in the UK have established that the people buried in the stone cairn died between 50 BC and 70 AD. This time preceded the Roman invasion of Southern and Eastern Scotland in 79 AD. Using DNA analysis, scientists found out that the couple were related and, most likely, the buried were second cousins on the maternal side.

The most unusual details of the rituals are recorded on the remains of an adult woman. Archaeologists found scratches on the inside of her skull, indicating that her brain had been extracted. In addition, the long bones — the femur, humerus and ulna— were sharpened to sharp tips.

Isotopic analysis showed that the pair grew about 80 km south-east of the burial site near Loch Borrali. They were genetically related to the population of Orkney and Applecross. According to the authors of the work, this proves that prehistoric marine communities periodically moved along the northern coast of Scotland in small groups, which contributed to the spread of cultural traditions.

On June 8, Popular Science reported the discovery of a mass grave with decapitated skeletons in Slovakia. According to the publication, during the study of the Neolithic settlement of Vrable, archaeologists found the remains of at least 78 people, 77 of whom were deprived of skulls. According to scientists, traces of skilful separation of skulls were recorded on the remains, which indicates a previously unknown ritual.