Vikings didn’t just fight enemies: Scans of ancient skulls reveal widespread dental disease and infections
A new study from the University of Gothenburg suggests that despite their legendary status, the Vikings endured many of the same painful illnesses that modern humans face, but without the use of antibiotics, painkillers, or medical intervention.
CT scans of 15 Viking Age skulls revealed widespread dental infections, sinusitis, ear diseases, and joint problems that would have caused significant pain and reduced quality of life in the era before modern medicine.
80 percent of the skeletons examined showed evidence of tooth root infections, in many cases so severe that the infection had spread through the bone into the sinus cavity or oral cavity.
The study shows how modern medical imaging technology can reveal disease conditions in ancient remains that would be impossible to detect through traditional examination methods, allowing researchers to extract valuable information while preserving ancient specimens. BDJ Open
