Oral Infections in Ancient Human Skulls in 2000 Bc/ Iron Age, Iran



Farhud DD^{1, 2, 3} ; Azari M^{2, 3, 4} ; Rahbar M⁵
Source: Iranian Journal of Public Health Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Oral infections have been seen in humans since ancient times. Excessive penetration of this infection can cause human death. Most of these infections are gum cysts and abscesses. The cyst creates large hard lumps in the gums, which is causes loose, and protruding teeth and abscesses, causing cavities in the jawbone and teeth. In this article, we have discussed for this infectious disease in 4000 – year-old ancient humans from Qazvin Province, Iran. The bone remains of our research are related to Sagezabad ancient cemetery in Qazvin plain. Methods: We tried to use reliable international atlases to get detailed information about ancient oral infections. The bones were extracted from the 2019 excavation of the Ghara Tappe area of Sagezabad for the Iron Age 2nd and 3rd Qazvin plains of Iran. This cemetery belongs to the period of the Medes Kingdom (pre-Achaemenian kingdom) in Iran. Results: We have discussed one of the ancient cemeteries with a large number of ancient populations. In this cemetery, there are signs of war and infectious diseases on the bones, which can be clearly seen. We have specially mentioned the abscess as the cause of oral infection from Sagezabad cemetery. Conclusion: Oral infection existed in Iran since 2000 BC. Of course, this infection was common in ancient times and even Paleolithic period, like Homo Heidelbergensis. © 2024 Farhud et al.