Tissue from the brains of Bronze Age humans has been preserved for 4000 years. Archaeologists hope that similar specimens can be found to uncover more information about health conditions in the prehistoric past.
The Bronze Age brain discovered in Seyitömer Höyük, Türkiye is one of the oldest brains in the world. Access to a preserved brain allows scientists to learn about any diseases or conditions the individual may have had, such as tumors or hemorrhages, and to discover other what happened in the last hours of that person’s life.
Bronze Age brain tissue found at Seyitömer Höyük, Türkiye. (Open context)
Few brains have been preserved as long as this one because brain tissue is rich in enzymes and cells decompose quickly after death. In rare cases, decomposition is slowed. For example, brain tissue from an Inca child sacrificed 500 years ago was also found in a preserved state. The tissue’s survival in that case was due to the fact that her body had been frozen on top of the Andean mountains.
Brains unearthed in Türkiye have the ability to survive years of natural disasters. It is believed that the settlement suffered an earthquake that buried the inhabitants. The fire then spread, consuming all the oxygen in the rubble and boiling the brain in its liquid. The reduction in humidity and oxygen following these events prevents further breakdown of brain tissue.
A cutting-edge view of the brain’s frontotemporal structures. ( classicsnewsneedsandnow )
Furthermore, the soil where the brain was found was high in potassium, magnesium and aluminum. This triggers human tissue to produce a substance called fat, or ‘corpse wax’, which helps preserve soft tissue.
Frank Rühli of the University of Zurich, Switzerland, has examined medieval brain tissue and said most archaeologists don’t look for it because they doubt it will survive over the years. However, “The degree of preservation combined with age is remarkable. If you publish cases like this, people will know more and more that they can also find original brain tissue.”
Heslington Brain, discovered to be more than 2,500 years old. (York Archaeological Trust)
