Neolithic Italy Yields World's Oldest Evidence of Assisted Birth

Archaeologists led by the University of Trento, together with the University Federico II di Napoli and the University of Newcastle, have identified the earliest known case of assisted childbirth. The discovery comes from the skeletal remains of a newborn uncovered at the Ripari Alti site in the Valle di Lamen, Feltre, dated to between 3932 and 3653 BCE. Microscopic analysis revealed a fresh‑bone humeral fracture consistent with manual obstetric manipulation, and additional bone alterations indicating nutritional stress in the fetus.

The study, authored by Omar Larentis with co‑director Fabio Cavulli, was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Researchers say the findings demonstrate that Neolithic communities were already aware of birth‑related risks and capable of intervening physically to aid delivery, reshaping our understanding of the origins of medical practice.