Tell the story of the ten oldest prosthetics in the world

Limbs are not modern inventions. For thousands of years, people have lost a part of their body due to injury, amputation, or illness. Doctors and craftsmen have created corresponding substitutes - prosthetics. Nowadays, few ancient prosthetics can survive because the materials they use cannot withstand the erosion of history and will quickly decay and carbonize. However, through the excavation of geological and archaeological experts, some ancient prosthetic limbs have been continuously discovered by people.

1. Capua Legs

In 1910, archaeologists discovered a prosthetic limb in an ancient Roman tomb in Capua, Italy.

. At the time of discovery, Capua legs were the oldest artificial limbs in the world. Roman prosthetics can be traced back to 300 BC and were made of bronze. Its function is to replace the lower part of the calf below the knee. Researchers believe that a metal waistband holds the legs in place. Kapua's leg was placed at the Royal College of Surgeons in London until it was destroyed in an air raid during World War II. The Science Museum in London also has a replica. Artificial limbs were not common in ancient Rome. However, there are some famous examples. General Marcus Sergius lost his arm in the Second Punic War. He entrusted Tie to replace his fake arm with a new one so that he could hold the shield and continue fighting.

Secondly, the Silver Arm of Barbarossa

In the 16th century, the notorious Barbarossa pirate of the Barbary Coast, Aruj Barbarossa, was known as the "Silver Arm" due to the flickering of his prosthetic limbs.

. In the battle with the Spanish in Algeria in 1512, the arm above the left elbow was injured. His subordinates took him to Tunisia, where skilled Arab surgeons amputated Aruj Barbarossa's limb. Then, Barbarossa was equipped with a special prosthetic arm made of shimmering metal. Barbarossa eventually became the Sultan of Algiers. In order to protect his property, he allied with the Ottoman Empire and became the governor of the new province.

Third, Ancient Austrian Leg Nailing

In an ancient Austrian cemetery, archaeologists have discovered the body of a 6th century warrior with a prosthetic limb.

. Researchers believe that the age of the knight is between 35 and 50 years old. Experts believe that limbs were amputated during combat. The evidence of ancient prostheses comes from the iron rings attached to the feet. The owner of the discovered bone joint used a cane before. Experts speculate that the prosthetic is a wooden nail foot reinforced with iron straps at the bottom. The stains on the leg bones indicate that leather was used to secure the prosthesis.

Fourth, Regenerated Teeth

During an investigation of the San Francesco Monastery in Tuscany, archaeologists discovered the world's earliest dentures.

. The 400 year old dentures are made from real human teeth, with three central incisors and two outer canine teeth tied with a gold strap. Before cutting along the root of the tooth, remove the root of the tooth first. Then align the teeth and secure them in place with a gold foil. CT scan shows tiny gold needles fixing teeth onto internal gold bands. Archaeologists have long known about ancient dentures through written records. However, this is the first tangible discovery. Teeth were found in the tomb of a noble family with 100 corpses. However, researchers were unable to match dentures with the mandibles of these 100 corpses. The owner is still a mystery. The plaque and calcium accumulation on dentures indicate that they have been worn for a long time, possibly several years.

Fifth, Anglesey Legs

Sir Henry Paget, Lord of Uxbridge, was commanding British cavalry in the Battle of Waterloo when his right leg was destroyed by a cannon, resulting in the amputation of his thigh.

. James Potts designed the patented "Anglesey leg" for Lord Henry Paget, replacing his missing limb. The articulated legs are made of carved fruit wood and controlled by delicate kangaroo tendon bands, giving the knees, ankles, and toes flexibility.

Sixth, Tycho Brahe's "silver" nose

Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, born in 1546, made the most accurate measurements of planetary bodies without a telescope and found that comets exceeded our atmosphere.

. In 1566, Brahe and Mandrup Parsberg lost their nose while fighting over mathematical formulas. For the rest of his life, Brahe wore a fake nose. Historians believe that his fake nose was made of silver. When Brahe was unearthed in 2010, researchers discovered that his famous "silver" nose was not truly silver. Although they were unable to find the actual prosthesis, traces of zinc and copper were found in the green surrounding the nasal cavity. The researchers concluded that his fake nose must be made of bronze. In 2007, archaeologists discovered a 2200 year old hoofed artificial leg in Turpan, China. The prosthesis is fixed on a man between the ages of 50 and 65. His femur and tibia fused together at an 80 degree angle, making it impossible for him to walk normally. The sole of the prosthetic limb resembles a horse's foot. The wear of the prosthesis indicates that it has been in use for many years. The tomb indicates that the person is wealthy and powerful. According to radiocarbon dating, experts believe that he belongs to the ancient Gushi people, who were conquered by the Han Dynasty in the first century BC. Gottfried "Gotz" von Berlichingen was a German mercenary. In the siege of Landshut in 1504, Gotz's right arm was amputated due to a shell explosion. Later, artificial iron limbs were installed. The internal gear of the iron hand controls the joint fingers of the iron prosthesis. This new prosthetic is sturdy enough to hold a sword, finely crafted enough to grip a quill pen. Gotz was born nearly 500 years ago in the state of W ü rttemberg and was a knight of the Holy Roman Emperor, but spent most of his time plundering merchants and nobles. Now, he is remembered as a character like Robin Hood. Germans praised Gotz's groundbreaking prosthetic, which is a symbol of their national creativity.

Nine, Golden Eye

In 1998, archaeologists excavated the world's oldest artificial eye.

. The history of this prosthesis can be traced back to 5000 years ago, when it was discovered in the Shahr-i-Sokhta cemetery in the Sistan Desert on the border between Iran and Afghanistan. The lightweight eye is a hemisphere with a diameter just over 2.5 centimeters (1 inch), made of asphalt slurry. The intricate carvings form a central iris that emits a golden glow. At first, the research team believed that the fake eyes were placed in the grave after her death. However, microscopic examination revealed her long-term contact with the prosthesis, proving that the bones and golden eyes should be together.

Ten, Cairo toe

"Cairo toe" can be traced back to 950 to 710 BC and is the oldest prosthetic in the world.

. Archaeologists have discovered this artificial big toe on a female mummy near Luxor. Cairo toes are made of leather, dyed wood, and thread. The ancient Egyptians often created fake body parts for burial. However, tests on the mummies of barefoot women have shown that this ancient prosthetic also has functionality. It makes walking in Egyptian style sandals very easy and there are no pressure points, so it can be used for a long time.