For over fifteen centuries, European and Middle Eastern writers were entranced by tales of the Blemmyes - a mythical tribe of headless beings whose faces emerged from their chests. First described by ...

Experts estimate medieval scribes produced over 10 million manuscripts between 400-1500 CE, ... “Our study should be seen as a first step, opening new perspectives,” wrote the authors.

Yet it was frequently discussed in a language that is more resonant of the Middle Ages than the scientific laboratory.