From post-mortem practice to forensic insight. A review of craniotomy studies

Craniotomies have played a significant role in both historical and contemporary post-mortem practices, including autopsy, anatomical dissection, embalming and surgical training. The differentiation of these procedures in osteoarchaeological contexts remains a complex challenge due to the overlap in techniques and the varying conditions of skeletal remains. This review presents studies analyzing craniotomies on osteological material, focusing on cut mark morphology, tool mark characteristics and contextual evidence to distinguish post-mortem interventions. The findings highlight the advancements in forensic methodologies applied to archaeological remains, emphasizing the integration of historical records and modern analytical techniques. Future research should aim to incorporate experimental archaeology and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance interpretations of past medical procedures.