Justinian Rhinotmetos: A Byzantine Rhinoplasty?

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Byzantine Studies
• Surgical History

Background:

• Justinian II, Byzantine Emperor, was deposed and mutilated in the 8th century.
• He later regained the throne after a decade of exile.
• The Carmagnola statue in Venice has fueled debate about his potential rhinoplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the historical evidence regarding Justinian II's potential use of Indian rhinoplasty.
• To assess the likelihood of Justinian II undergoing nasal reconstruction surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical accounts of Justinian II's life and reign.
• Analysis of artistic depictions, specifically the Carmagnola statue.
• Examination of the historical context of ancient Indian rhinoplasty.

Main Results:

• No definitive historical records confirm Justinian II underwent rhinoplasty.
• Artistic interpretations of the Carmagnola statue are ambiguous.
• The historical application and feasibility of such a procedure for Justinian II are questionable.

Conclusions:

• It is highly unlikely that Justinian II had his nose reconstructed using ancient Indian rhinoplasty.
• The theory remains speculative, lacking concrete historical or medical evidence.