The remains of two brothers at Tel Megiddo from more than 3,500 years ago during the 2016 excavation in northern Israel.
(Courtesy: Megiddo expedition).

For thousands of years, ancient civilizations around the globe have performed cranial trephination, a medical procedure that involves drilling holes in the skull. One particular type of trephination dating back to at least the late Bronze Age was recently discovered in the remains of two young adult males at Tel Megiddo. DNA analysis was used to determine that the males were brothers. Prof. Israel Finkelstein (Head, School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures), was among the co-authors of the study, published in PLOS ONE. 

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