An Ultradolichocephaly in a Knight of the Order of Calatrava from the Castle of Zorita de los Canes (Guadalajara, Spain) Dated Between the 13th and 15th Centuries

This study presents a paleopathological analysis of individual T4.2 from the archaeological site of the castle of Zorita de los Canes (Guadalajara, Spain). The individual exhibits ultradolichocephaly and was dated between the 13th and 15th centuries. Based on the context, the individual could have been a member of the military–religious Order of Calatrava. Standard bioanthropological and paleopathological methods were applied. The results indicate a male aged between 45 and 49 years with a maximum cranial length and width of 230 mm and 122 mm, respectively. The cranial index (53%) allows him to be classified as ultradolichocephalic. The remains present craniosynostosis at the sagittal, squamosal and sphenofrontal sutures, together with underdevelopment of the skull base width and a dolichognathic mandible with the possible presence of type III prognathism. The left hemimandible and hemimaxilla display a large amount of tartar covering the occlusal, labial and lingual areas of the teeth completely. The right hemimandible and hemimaxilla exhibit almost no tartar, and some teeth were lost in vivo. In addition, two stab wounds—to the external occipital protuberance and to the left temple—as well as a contused injury in the left tibia, can be observed without evidence of bone remodeling. Differential diagnosis indicates a case consistent with Crouzon syndrome. This individual is of particular significance because he was a possibly knight of the Order of Calatrava who presents a syndromic craniosynostosis consistent with Crouzon syndrome and exhibits lesions, which may suggest that he could have died in battle.