Research abstract
British Dental Journal 200, 33 - 37 (2006)
Published online: 14 January 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813122
Subject Category: Dental anthropology
A cephalometric comparison of skulls from the fourteenth, sixteenth and twentieth centuries
W P Rock1, A M Sabieha2 & R I W Evans3
- This paper shows changes in the form and size of the skull and jaws over a period of 676 years.
- Cranial vault measurements increased by 10 mm between the fourteenth and twentieth centuries.
- The face has become more retruded in relation to the forehead.
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate changes in the size and shape of the skull and jaws in British populations between the thirteenth and twentieth centuries.
Method Lateral cephalometric radiograms were obtained from skulls of three groups of subjects: 30 skulls were from the remains of those who died in the London Black Death epidemic of 1348, 54 skulls were recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose which sank in 1545 and 31 skulls were representative of modern cephalometric values.
Results Horizontal measurements in the base of the anterior cranial fossa and in the maxillary complex were greater in the modern group than in the medieval skulls. Cranial vault measurements were significantly higher (P = 0.000) in the twentieth century skulls, especially in the anterior cranial fossa.
Conclusion Results suggest that our medieval ancestors had more prominent faces and smaller cranial vaults than modern man.
- W.P. Rock, Reader in Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, St. Chad's Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6NN.
- A.M. Sabhieha, Specialist Practitioner, Amman, Jordan.
- R.I.W. Evans, Consultant Orthodontist, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust
Correspondence to: W P Rock1 e-mail: w.p.rock@bham.ac.uk
