Iron Age skulls reveal ancient babies had flat head syndrome in central Italy

Iron Age skulls from 9th-8th century B.C. Italy show flat head syndrome in infants, predating modern causes and marking the earliest known cases in the region. Researchers found 42% of 26 preserved skulls at Matelica had flattened heads, ruling out soil damage, head binding, and birth defects via CT scans. The condition likely resulted from infant care practices like pillows or swaddling. Most cases corrected with age, suggesting prevalence was higher in infancy. The findings indicate flat head syndrome is not exclusively modern and offer insights into ancient infant care traditions.