First physical evidence of nose amputation found in ancient Chinese skeleton

Chinese scientists have unearthed the first physical evidence of rhinotomy, the judicial amputation of the nose, from a female skeleton dated between 1298 and 1404, marking a breakthrough in understanding ancient China's brutal penal practices.

The remains, which belong to either the Yuan or Ming dynasties, show clear signs of nose removal carried out as part of a criminal sentence. A team of researchers from China and the US announced the discovery, ending centuries of historical documentation with no archaeological proof.

Ancient Punishment System

Nose amputation has long been recorded by historians as one of the "five punishments" from the penal system of the Xia dynasty, which ruled from 2070 BC to 1600 BC. The practice continued for centuries, with historical texts describing its widespread use under the King of Qin, who ruled from 247 BC to 221 BC. During this period, severed noses accumulated like mountain peaks, and carts overflowed with amputated feet.

While cattle theft would result in imprisonment in many jurisdictions, ancient Chinese justice imposed this truly horrific form of mutilation on offenders. The discovery provides the first tangible proof of a punishment that had been documented only in written records until now.

Source: South China Morning Post