A Possible Case of Child Abuse at the Early Urban Centre of Tell Brak, NE Syria

ABSTRACT Child abuse is rarely identified in skeletal remains from archaeological contexts, as its diagnosis remains a significant challenge. Due to that, case studies of child abuse are rare in the literature. Here, we discuss a 6–9‐month‐old infant from Late Chalcolithic (c. 4200–3900 bce ) Tell Brak, Syria, who exhibited several signs consistent with child abuse, such as rib fractures, active ectocranial porosity, and mechanical stress in the lower limb. The aim of this study is to critically assess the possible causes of these lesions, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between accidental injury, pathological conditions, and non‐accidental trauma. The patterning and distribution of the observed lesions are most consistent with non‐accidental injury. The likely maltreatment of this individual may have been the consequence of increased social stress associated with processes of rapid urbanization. This case contributes to broader discussions on childhood vulnerability and violence in early complex societies.