Archaeologists believe this medieval skeleton may be proof of a grisly exorcism

Archaeologists found two skeletons in a Roman villa in Hampshire, England, in the 1960s, but only now are the skeletons' remarkable details coming to light. After years of research, scientists believe that one of the medieval skeletons had a hole drilled into his skull in an attempted exorcism.

The man, who died when he was between 35 and 45 years old, had a jaw deformity. Archaeologists from the Hampshire Cultural Trust believe the deformity led his community to believe he was possessed by evil spirits. The man was also buried face-down and covered with stones, which also suggests he was believed to be possessed.

The skull of the allegedly possessed man had a hole drilled into it, which the archaeologists suspect was an attempt to ward off the spirit, though it could also have been an attempt to lessen the pain from his jaw deformity. The skeleton was also missing its right hand and multiple foot bones, which scientists believe may have been a punishment.

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The other skeleton, meanwhile, was found covered by debris, suggesting he was killed by a building collapse. Archaeologists haven't determined an exact date for the skeletons, but they believe the men lived in either the Saxon or early medieval periods.