Archaeologists from Zhengzhou University have uncovered the first direct skeletal evidence of an ancient Chinese punishment — nose amputation. The remains were found during research at the medieval Sanzhiyuan cemetery in Henan Province, according to infohub.kz.
The researchers studied burials dating to the Yuan and Ming dynasties, roughly 1298–1404. The cemetery contained 213 graves in total, but only one was unusual: a woman buried face down. In ancient times, this burial method was used for criminals.
In addition to the atypical body position, the woman's skull showed severe damage to the facial bones in the nasal cavity area. At the time of death, she was between 40 and 45 years old.
Computed tomography of the skull revealed a cut through part of the nasal bones and internal structures, with no signs of healing or other facial fractures. The intact front teeth and absence of associated injuries led researchers to rule out an accident or fall. The damage was intentional and matches the mutilating punishment described in historical sources.
Ancient Chinese texts repeatedly mention nose amputation as a form of punishment that left a lifelong mark. Until now, however, archaeologists had no direct physical evidence of the procedure. This discovery confirms the accuracy of historical chronicles and provides insight into the legal system of medieval China.