This Skeleton May Prove That Imperial China Really Did Cut Off Noses as Punishment
Literary records indicate that ancient China had five types of physical penalties. These included nasal amputation, although researchers had yet to find archaeological evidence of criminals subjected to this punishment—until now. Back in 2018, a team of Chinese archaeologists surveyed an ancient cemetery in Sanmexia, Henan Province.
- ▪Literary records indicate that ancient China had five types of physical penalties.
- ▪These included nasal amputation, although researchers had yet to find archaeological evidence of criminals subjected to this punishment—until now.
- ▪Back in 2018, a team of Chinese archaeologists surveyed an ancient cemetery in Sanmexia, Henan Province.
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| Canonical URL | https://gizmodo.com/imperial-china-chopped-off-the-noses-of-criminals-archaeologists-might-have-finally-found-evidence-2000815013 |
| Publication time | Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:05:33 +0000 |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Literary records indicate that ancient China had five types of physical penalties. These included nasal amputation, although researchers had yet to find archaeological evidence of criminals subjected to this punishment—until now. Back in 2018, a team of Chinese archaeologists surveyed an ancient cemetery in Sanmexia, Henan Province. Of the many samples they recovered, one female individual stood out from the rest. Not only was she buried face down, but her facial skeleton also showed signs of damage and healing around the nose—which indicated that her face was disfigured in some way, likely around the nose. Although other reasons (like an unfortunate accident) cannot be ruled out, thus far it seems most likely that the woman was subjected to intentional nasal amputation.
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