A Unique Knight

Among the remains of medieval Spanish knights at a castle just east of Madrid, scientists found a uniquely shaped skull. It was unusually narrow and long, measuring 9 inches long by four inches wide compared to a normal  5.5 by 5.5 inch skull.  

Archeologists were digging at Zorita de los Canes Castle, which was a key defense post.   In the late 1100s, it was granted to the Order of Calatrava, a military-religious group with great political influence. Yet, few studies have examined the skeletal remains of its members. The unusual skull is one of the newest discoveries. Scientists think the Knight had a severe case of the genetic disease Crouzon Syndrome. It’s when a child’s cranial pieces fuse prematurely, preventing normal growth. The skull should be flexible to allow for birth and rapid brain growth. Otherwise, the skull isn’t allowed to expand which causes abnormal head shapes. Left untreated, the pressure can cause seizures, blindness and brain damage.  

Researchers say it’s extraordinary that this man lived to adulthood, especially as a knight. The deformity disrupted movement in his jaw so that his right teeth might have been removed to allow him to eat.  Researchers believe the knight died in battle. He had two unhealed stab wounds, one in the left temple and another at the nape of the neck.  Crouzon syndrome does not affect cognition. And despite his deformities, he rode a horse and wielded a sword and died in battle alongside his brother knights.