Archaeoparasitology and pathoecology of Buchta Nakhodka, a medieval settlement in the far north of Western Siberia, dating from the 13th century

Abstract

Buchta Nakhodka, which was inhabited by the Northern Samoyeds, is one of the few sites in the far north of Western Siberia that has been explored archaeologically and archaeoparasitologically. Many factors complicate research work in this region; therefore, any additional study of known sites can provide valuable data. Here, we report the results of soil samples from the cultural layer taken during the excavation of structures of the medieval settlement of Buchta Nakhodka. Six types of human and animal parasite eggs were found in the studied samples. The extent of contamination and number of parasite species varied, depending on the sampling location. The analysis of research results in the historical and archaeological context enabled the reconstruction of certain nutritional habits of the population of Buchta Nakhodka in the 13th century and such activities as hunting, fishing, and dog breeding, as well as an evaluation of the level of hygiene and possible population movements and trade links with neighbouring settlements.