This thesis examines human mobility and population interactions at the Post-Archaic (fifth to fourth century BCE) site of Satricum, Lazio (Italy). According to Livy, the Volscians moved from the...Show moreThis thesis examines human mobility and population interactions at the Post-Archaic (fifth to fourth century BCE) site of Satricum, Lazio (Italy). According to Livy, the Volscians moved from the mountainous hinterland into the Latial plain, around the beginning of the fifth century BCE, took over the Latin town of Satricum in 488 BCE, and were defeated by the Romans in 385 BCE. Based on these ancient sources and archaeological fieldwork, scholars propose a cultural shift in Satricum caused by this Volscian migration-event. Therefore, strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr) is used to assess human mobility from the enamel of third molars (M3). Beside chemical research, nonmetric dental traits are used to examine the nature of biological affinities and phenetic divergence within the Satricum population and between Satricum and other ancient Italian sites. Nineteen human enamel samples, and a modern snail shell as a reference sample, from three presumable ‘Volscian’ necropoleis in Satricum, are analyzed. The isotopic results of this study yield only one outlier. However, all 87Sr/86Sr signatures, including the outlier, still fall within the expected radiogenic range for the Roman magmatic province in which Satricum is located. All individuals can thus be identified as locals. Assessment of the correlation of 87Sr/86Sr signatures with demographic variables, archaeological features, and post-mortem influences, is attempted but provides no statistically significant results. Future research which includes more samples from Satricum and from the hinterland could provide more insights and more reliable results for comparison. In addition, the combination of a complementary oxygen isotope analysis to the present analysis will increase the potential of identifying nonlocal individuals. Nonmetric trait analysis of two necropoleis, with 22 and 17 individuals, provides insight into the nature of biological population similarity and divergence in Satricum. The analysis shows that the Satricum population differs significantly from other contemporary central Italian populations, although this is probably due to the use of data sets on different scales. In addition, the two necropoleis showed high phenetic dissimilarity, likely indicating two different gene pools were present in Satricum. The dental nonmetric traits show that two different populations lived in Satricum during a relatively small time frame (ca. 150 years). Future research will be needed to sort out which populations these were. For example, the assessment of dental nonmetric traits of more inland sites, where whence the Volscians originated, could provide more insights. At an individual level, no evidence for ancient mobility is found in Satricum. However, this research suggests that different biological populations did interact during the Post-Archaic period in Satricum.Show less
Iron Age cremation graveyards are a relatively rare phenomenon in the Netherlands and there is a general lack of understanding of demographic data based on osteological analyses of these graveyards...Show moreIron Age cremation graveyards are a relatively rare phenomenon in the Netherlands and there is a general lack of understanding of demographic data based on osteological analyses of these graveyards. Cremation analysis of these graveyards is not done on a consistent basis and osteological information is generally lacking. In the research, the Middle to Late Iron Age graveyard from Panningen-Loo (Netherlands) has been analysed and compared to other graveyard within the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt (MDS) region in the southern Netherlands. Furthermore, a GIS-analysis has been carried out to analyse locations of graves, grave types and demographics within the graveyard. The osteological analysis was carried out using standard macroscopic methods of analysis for cremated remains. With the help of a literature study and a GIS-analysis, comparisons in and between graveyards have been made. Several statistical calculations were ran to test the significance of weight and fragmentation between demographics and grave types. In total, 31 graves were found which contained 33 individuals. Grave types following the scheme of Hiddink (2003) were proposed: sixteen graves were of type A. Ten were of type B. Seven graves were of type C. The grave types also differed in other terms: weight, fragmentation and location were different for the proposed grave types. The weight of the graves varied between 0,1 to 3241 grams, with an average of 611 grams. The graveyard contained three adult females, three possible females, two indeterminate adults, one possible male, five adult males and six subadults. Fragmentation of the remains was high. Four individuals were found with no or marginal amounts of cranial fragments. In comparison to other graveyards within the MDS area, several graveyards match Panningen-Loo in multiple osteological and archaeological aspects. Panningen Stokx, Weert Laarveld and Weert Molenakkerdreef are all highly matching in most aspects. By carrying out this study, progress had been made in aiding the understanding of Iron Age graveyards and indicating the usefulness of a complete osteological analysis of cremated remains.Show less
Scholars have proposed a migration-event into Satricum from the mountainous hinterland, Central Italy, around 500 BC. This proposal is based on historical texts that mention that Satricum became...Show moreScholars have proposed a migration-event into Satricum from the mountainous hinterland, Central Italy, around 500 BC. This proposal is based on historical texts that mention that Satricum became Volscian in 488 BC, and a (probably contemporary) cultural shift within the archaelogical record of Satricum. This thesis performed stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) analysis of the enamel of 44 human molars that derived from three cemeteries of Satricum to assess the likelihood of such a migration for these individuals. The enamel mostly reflects the δ18O of drinking water during tooth formation, which is dependent on the local environmental context. Modern precipitation data are used to determine the expected δ18O ranges of areas of interest, and it is concluded that the hinterland is more 18O depleted than Satricum. Two samples are possibly contaminated and were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 42 samples are normally distributed with a δ18O mean of -3.8‰ and a range of 2.3‰. The broadness of the δ18O range is thought to be due to intra-population variability, caused by precipitation fluctuation, dietary differences, and differences in in-body fractionation processes. The most straightforward interpretation of the data is that all people derive from a local origin. However, because there is some overlap in δ18O ranges with the hinterland, it is also possible that some individuals derived from this area, or another region with a similar δ18O range. Assessment of δ18O correlation with archaeological features and demographic variables revealed no statistical significant correlations with sex, age, spatial distribution, the presence or absence of loculi, corner pits, or roof-tile cover. It is noted that the graves with and without ledges differ significantly, and a trend is recognised in an increase in the amount of burial gifts with an increase in δ18O. However, these possible correlations are based on a small number of samples and thus are highly speculative. Therefore, it is proposed to analyse more of Satricum’s individuals and reference materials from the hinterland to conduct a more reliable assessment. A complementary strontium isotope analysis will be joined with the results of this analysis, which will enhance the potential to identify non-local individuals. Other methods to enhance such identification are (non-)metric dental traits analyses or (mt)DNA analysis to examine genetic distance. Factors that could be causing diagenesis that could affect δ18O values should also be studied.Show less
In the municipality of Oegstgeest (NL), an early medieval settlement was excavated spanning an area of circa eight hectares. The excavation revealed both the core habitation areas and the periphery...Show moreIn the municipality of Oegstgeest (NL), an early medieval settlement was excavated spanning an area of circa eight hectares. The excavation revealed both the core habitation areas and the periphery of the settlement. Among the thousands of features and finds related to the daily activities of the inhabitants, 27 contexts were excavated that contained human remains, of which nine contained (partially) complete individuals, and 18 secondary deposited remains. The human remains and their associated contexts are the focus of this research. The human remains were subjected to various analyzes, which provided different views on the lives and deaths of the inhabitants of early medieval Oegstgeest. Based on the analysis of the geographical location of the remains, it was argued that the choice for burial location was influenced by the presence of landmarks with a liminal character, such as boundary ditches. The analysis of the burial features, and the position of the corpse therein, revealed a variety of body positions and sepulchers. The osteological analysis of the bones indicated that a minimum of thirteen individuals was represented in the assemblage. The primary inhumations consisted of both male and female individuals with a varying age-at-death. The demographic composition of the deviant burials and secondary deposits was highly homogenous, consisting almost exclusively of adult male individuals. Few pathological conditions were identified, but a relatively large number of bones (from secondary deposits) exhibited perimortem sharp force trauma and scavenging marks. From five individuals strontium and/or stable oxygen isotopes were analyzed to determine the area in which they were born. The results indicated that four individuals were not born in the coastal region of the Netherlands. It was possible to state that the five individuals were born in four different areas. Based on the isotope results, it was argued that early medieval migration flows were more diverse than previously thought. The final part of the thesis discussed cultural explanations for the phenomena that were observed in the assemblage of human remains. For the secondary deposits it was proposed that they were the product of an excarnation ritual. Possibly the wolf, raven and eagle - important animals in early medieval mythology- fulfilled a role in the excarnation process. Alternatively, the secondary deposits and deviant primary deposits might be the product of ritual offerings to specific Celtic deities. Sun or wheel symbols found in the settlement (such as in a deposit of human bones and on a silver bowl), were possibly also linked to a Celtic religious cult. The cremated remains of one individual, found in the fill of disused well, were interpreted as a foundation- or closure deposit. For the primary inhumations, which were exclusively found near the boundaries of habitation areas, it was proposed that they possibly served as territorial markers. Depositing deceased relatives at the periphery of the household estate might have strengthened the ancestral affiliation, and thereby the claim on the territory.Show less
This thesis compares the dental pathologies of fifty individuals from a 19th century Dutch rural cemetery divided in even groups of men and women, and four age categories. Between these groups the...Show moreThis thesis compares the dental pathologies of fifty individuals from a 19th century Dutch rural cemetery divided in even groups of men and women, and four age categories. Between these groups the amounts of ante-mortem tooth loss, caries, calculus, attrition and activity-related wear were examined. The results are that ante-mortem tooth loss was relatively high even under thirty-five years of age, while no significant differences between the sexes were visible. Caries amounts were significantly high among women, but in the comparison between age groups only the early young adults seemed to be affected less than the other three age groups. Calculus deposits were significantly higher among men and went up from the early young adults to the late young adults but then lowered again towards the middle and old adults, probably as a result of ante-mortem tooth loss in these groups. Attrition rates were significantly higher among men and across the age groups a slight increase in attrition rates was visible. Activity-related wear was high in men with more than 90% of all individuals presenting signs of wear, especially due to clay pipe smoking resulting in pipe notches. Three women also showed clear signs of pipe notches due to smoking clay pipes. In contrast to earlier results there seems to be a slight statistical correlation between the total amount of caries and the amount of wear, a small negative correlation between the amount of caries and the average rate of attrition per individual and a small positive correlation between attrition and activity related wear. The previously discussed data also gives a few clues toward the diet of both men and women. Women were probably more likely to eat sweets and sugary foods than men due to their large amount of caries while men were likely to eat starchy foods such as bread that were also abrasive resulting in higher rates of calculus and attrition. The general state of oral health is difficult to ascertain but it is clear that calculus, caries and attrition rates were high while not so much attention was given to cleaning the teeth or visiting a physician to have sick teeth pulled.Show less
Age-related bone loss has been receiving a lot of attention in recent years in an attempt to assess and treat conditions that are affected by bone loss such as osteopenia. Current bone loss...Show moreAge-related bone loss has been receiving a lot of attention in recent years in an attempt to assess and treat conditions that are affected by bone loss such as osteopenia. Current bone loss influences are reviewed as well as an overview of bone loss assessment in archaeological material. This research evaluated age-related bone loss in a 19th Century Dutch osteoarchaeological population to determine frailty rates through Quantitaitive Computed Tomography (QCT) and Dual- Energy X-ray Absoorptiometry (DEXA) of loading (femur) and non-loading (humerus) elements. An examination of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and volumatic (vBMD) were explored in correlation to trabecular architecture. It was determined bone loss was present within in the population however, the onset of osteoporotic fracture risk was unable to be determined. Male loading and non-loading bones exhibit consistent changes in trabecular connectivity and connectivity volume while females are more likely affected by an increase in trabecular bone volume. Humeral BMC data between DEXA and QCT indicated that a possible calibration curve can be determined suggesting that the humerus is a good indicator of age-related bone loss. Subsequently, the term “osteopenia” was determined to be invalid for this assessment and the term “bone loss” is thus suggested to be used.Show less
Linear enamel hypoplasias are growth disruptions in enamel thickness, formed during childhood and, since enamel does not remodel, stay forever. These defects are seen as stress markers and widely...Show moreLinear enamel hypoplasias are growth disruptions in enamel thickness, formed during childhood and, since enamel does not remodel, stay forever. These defects are seen as stress markers and widely used to interpreted childhood health. This study examined the permanent dentition of a sample of the 19th century rural Beemster population. The teeth are examined macroscopically and systematic disturbances are identified by matching hypoplasias among different teeth. The highest frequency of LEHs are on the central maxillary incisor and mandibular canine. The sample consists of 11 subadults and 39 adults. From all individuals, 64% showed linear enamel hypoplasia. A higher prevalence of LEH was found in the females, although there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes. Adolescents exhibit a significantly higher number of events in comparison to the adults, and have more affected teeth per individual. There is no difference in the mean age-at-death between individuals with and without LEH. Thus, the presence of LEH does not affect mortality in this sample, but the individuals with the highest number of hypoplastic events die at a younger age. The specific age occurrences of LEH fall between 1.5 and 5.3 years of age, with the highest number of LEH between 2.5 and 3.5 years of age. These peaks do no correspond to historically suggested weaning age. The combination of malnutrition and epidemics are suggested to be responsible for the majority of LEH forming events.Show less
From the Dutch cemetery of Middenbeemster, individuals from the rural community of the Beemster were excavated, mostly dating to the nineteenth century. The Beemster had an agriculture-based...Show moreFrom the Dutch cemetery of Middenbeemster, individuals from the rural community of the Beemster were excavated, mostly dating to the nineteenth century. The Beemster had an agriculture-based economy, focused on dairy farming. It was a relative latecomer to modernization and farming machinery. This dissertation establishes levels of physical activity and associated social differentiation in the Beemster, based upon skeletal markers of activity in the upper limbs. These are osteoarthritis (OA) and musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM’s). OA is a joint disease, and MSM’s are the sites at which muscles attach to bone, whose morphology may be indicative of muscle use and strain. The high prevalence of OA established that this population engaged in generally strenuous physical labor, more so than contemporaneous Dutch settlements. Although OA severity increased with age, its prevalence did not, indicating that joint-related wear was already occurring in young adults. MSM’s suggested a gendered division of labor. Males had more pronounced MSM’s in all sites but the triceps brachi. Males were especially involved in activities exercising the biceps and brachioradialis, as these showed the highest sexual dimorphism. In general, the pectoralis major muscle was highly pronounced, whereas the multifunctional deltoid muscle was the least developed. There was a clear positive correlation of MSM’s with age. The high symmetry between upper limbs in OA and MSM results also points to strenuous physical activity. Two young adult females had low scores for OA and MSM’s, suggesting they led less strenuous lives and could have belonged to a more elite class. The study also evaluated the usefulness of the methods. Both need further study to become reliable, especially MSM research which is in its infancy. Osteoarthritis was concluded to be most useful on an inter-population level. There was a very low correlation between OA and MSM’s, thus combining them to reconstruct activity in past populations is of limited use. Further standardization of scoring methods is also necessary for both skeletal activity markers. Overall, this research contributed to our understanding of OA and MSM’s as activity markers, both separately and combined, while also providing new data on activity levels in a post-medieval Dutch population.Show less
