A cephalometric comparison of medieval skulls with a modern population

Abstract

Thirty-one medieval skulls, mostly dating from the Black Death in 1348, were compared with 32 modern, untreated adults. The medieval population was unusual because the skulls could be so closely dated. Lateral skull radiographs were used for the comparison, based on the method of Seddon (1984). A method error study indicated that the measurements could be treated with reasonable confidence, although possible difficulties with the material are discussed. The findings suggest that the modern group have the longer face and longer palate. The medieval group were found to have more retroclined upper incisors and more proclined lower incisors as well as reduced overbites. The results also suggest changes in mandibular shape over time together with cranial base changes: the modern mandible has a more obtuse gonial angle and is generally longer and thinner. It was not possible to reach a firm conclusion regarding chin prominence. The cranial base saddle angle has become more acute since the medieval period, and the length S-N is greater in the modern group. Depending on interpretation, the skull material could be said to have a more prominent maxilla. Possible reasons for the differences are discussed.