Meningeal inflammation (Serpens endocrania) and intrathoracic chronic disease in 1st century A.D. Roman Near-East (Qumran): From paleopathology to clinical practice - 13/10/26
, Isabelle Huynh a, c, Jean-Baptiste Humbert dAbstract |
Introduction |
Characterized by serpentine vascular impressions on the endocranial surface, Serpens endocrania is closely associated with chronic respiratory diseases, particularly tuberculosis.
Material/Method |
Located on the Dead Sea shores, the archaeological site of Qumran is classically associated with the Essenes, a Jewish religious community (1st century B.C. to 68 CE). Among 1200 burials, excavations in the cemetery uncovered the remains of 52 individuals.
Results |
Among these 52 remains, we report nine cases of Serpens endocrania (i.e. 17.3% of the small sample), which is much higher than that detected in other studies of ancient populations.
Discussion |
We discuss the possible causes of such an unusually high proportion in ancient skeletal populations: exposure to infections (mainly tuberculosis, and/or environmental factors). We also propose silicosis (and/or silico-tuberculosis) as a possible differential diagnosis, taking into consideration the desert environment and, more specifically, prolonged inhalation of quartz/silica dust particles inducing chronic pulmonary inflammation and promoting additional infections.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | This is the first paleopathological report on nine cases of Serpens endocrania identified among individuals buried at the Qumran cemetery. |
• | The prevalence observed in this small sample (17.3%) is markedly higher than usually reported in ancient skeletal populations worldwide. |
• | Endocranial lesions lend credence to the hypothesis of chronic respiratory disease in the Essene community, possibly silico-tuberculosis and/or tuberculous meningitis. |
Keywords : Paleopathology, Retrospective Diagnosis, Infectious disease, Tuberculosis, Silicosis
Plan
Vol 56 - N° 7
Article 105352- octobre 2026 Retour au numéro
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