Archaeobotanical record from dental calculus of a Roman individual affected by bilateral temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis

Abstract

Ancient dental calculus represents one of the most recent and innovative sources of archaeobotanical record. Exploring this matrix, diet, past ecology, and ethnobotanical practices of antique communities may be elucidated. In the present case-study, the tartar of an Imperial Roman man, likely a salt worker, found in the necropolis of Castel Malnome (Rome, Latium, Italy) and affected by bilateral temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis, was investigated. Despite his rare and extremely disabling affection, this male individual reached adulthood thanks to the forced removal of the anterior teeth, which allowed him to eat. Starches of Poeae and Triticeae tribe were detected, although the largest amount of the granules appeared gelatinized, suggesting that maybe the inhumate consumed well-cooked and semi-liquid stuff, due to his non-functional masticatory activity. Urticaceae and clover pollen grains documented unintentional aspiration or voluntary use of these plants as ingredients for meals and therapeutic decoctions. Indeed, since Roman times, written sources have documented nettle as an anti-inflammatory remedy to treat joint and muscle pains. Finally, the identification of secondary metabolites ascribable to the Brassicaceae family, Artemisia L., and Ephedra L. genera, paves the way for hypothesizing the consumption of these Mediterranean species with several nutritional and nutraceutical properties. All this evidence opens a picture window onto the life of this man, which should be well integrated into his community and natural environment despite the functional impairment.