Burial Research Articles

Preliminary Results of the Study of Kuraily-Asar Necropolis

The article deals with the introduction into scientific discourse new data on the burial structures of the Dzhetyasar culture of Eastern Aral Sea region. In 2023, archaeological work was carried out on the necropolis of one of the Dzhetyasar monuments – the Kuraily-asar fortified settlement. The research was carried out by the “Aral Sea detachment” of the Margulan Institute of Archeology an under the leadership of A. Ongarruly and A.A. Tazhekeyev. The four underground burial sites were uncovered, as a result of the excavations. All the mounds have an identical design and burial rite. The mounds are surrounded by a moat with an entrance on the north and south sides, in the center of which there is a burial pit. Burials: three of them were women, and one was a child, were located on the dorsal surface and the head was oriented to the north. The anthropological characteristics of the burials show that the ontological constitution of post cranium is generally characterized by a morphological variant of the addition allocated to the Dzhetyasar population. The burial inventory included ceramic vessels and spindle whorl, buckles, a mirror and an amulet, the analysis of which allowed these mounds to be attributed to the Dzhetyasar II stage and dated to the II-IV centuries AD.

3775-year-old wood burial supports "wood vaulting" as a durable carbon removal method.

Six-times more carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed each year by terrestrial photosynthesis than fossil fuel emissions. However, the carbon is mostly returned to the atmosphere by decomposition. We found a 3775-year-old ancient wood log buried 2 meters belowground that was preserved far beyond its expected lifetime. The wood had near-perfect preservation, with carbon loss less than 5% compared to a modern sample. The lack of decay is likely due to the low permeability of the compact clay soil at the burial site. Our observation suggests a hybrid nature-engineering approach for carbon removal by burying woody biomass in similar anoxic environments. We estimate a global sequestration potential of up to 10 gigatonnes CO2 per year with existing technology at a low cost of $30 to $100 per tonne after optimization.

Soil Sample Analysis of Bacillus anthracis Contaminated Animal Burial Sites.

Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores poses clear threats to livestock that play key roles in the economies of pastoral communities. Regular monitoring of contaminated sites is particularly important in anthrax-endemic parts of the world, such as Kars province in eastern Türkiye, where the Veterinary Microbiology Department of Kafkas University has conducted an anthrax surveillance programme for over 30 years. We reviewed the microbiological results of 232 soil samples collected during 2009-2023, from sites known to be contaminated with B. anthracis spores following burial or butchering of infected animal carcasses. Twenty-five contaminated sites in 16 villages were studied. Samples were taken from a total of 61 different positions within these sites and viable spores were detected in 136 (58.6%) of the samples examined. Of the 96 samples from which spores were not recovered, subsequent samples from the same positions proved positive on 21 occasions. Using a standardised sampling plan, it was discovered that samples taken 1-2 m on a downward slope from the centre-point of contamination had higher (p < 0.001) spore concentrations than those taken from other positions. Although spore concentrations at some sampling positions varied over time, the overall values remained stable. This finding contrasts with observations in other parts of the world where spore concentrations tend to decline with time and may reflect regional differences in soil composition that permit more prolonged spore persistence. Concentrations of >100 spores/g soil were found in 10 (66.7%) of the 15 samples taken 10-13 years following a contamination event. These results demonstrate the longevity of viable anthrax spores in the soil of agricultural environments following decomposition of infected animal carcasses, and therefore the need for prolonged bacteriological monitoring of contaminated sites. Furthermore, they underline the importance of appropriate decontamination, as burial on its own does not eliminate all spores.

Burial Histories, Bodies, and Pots: Mortuary Practices in the Southeastern Rainforests of the Andes during the 1st Millennium a.d. (El Cadillal, Argentina)

ABSTRACT Through the control of social memory and the dead, household members in Argentinian Andean early Formative villages often used primary and secondary mortuary practices to negotiate power and identity among the living. In this paper, we explore the material evidence obtained in the large-scale salvage excavations of El Cadillal, Argentina, where 51 burials were recovered from three burial sites. Between a.d. 0 and 900, people living in the southeastern rainforests placed deceased household members in ceramic urns and, less frequently, inside of rock enclosures and pits surrounded by a range of grave offerings. Drawing upon this case study, we attempt to disentangle the complex web of relationships between the dead, the living, and the El Cadillal community in order to assess how social memories were crafted through primary and secondary mortuary events and how the repetition of mortuary rituals created a social landscape and memories of the dead.

Explaining strategic disinterment: Forensics and the reconstruction of the missing in Cyprus

The paper investigates the phenomenon of ‘strategic disinterment’ in Cyprus, namely the purposeful and selective destruction of primary graves and removal of remains of missing persons to unknown secondary burial sites. Our examination of why violent actors invest valuable resources to exhume victims from the original burial location, even when they no longer pose a security threat, has significant theoretical and methodological implications. First, it pushes the boundaries of our understanding of violence by challenging the assumption that violent actors target only the living. Second, it innovates methodologically by introducing the use of forensic data to explain the strategic logic of selective removal of remains of victims from original grave sites in Cyprus. By exploring the interplay between temporal, spatial, demographic, and political considerations and analysing variables that may explain strategic disinterment, we make informed inferences about the possible drivers of grave selection. We argue the decision of armed groups to engage in strategic disinterment in Cyprus was shaped by a set of two factors. On the one hand, they were ‘pushed’ by the degree of perceived accountability associated with specific graves that concealed incriminatory evidence of heinous crimes. On the other hand, their capacity to organize sophisticated operations, such as mass-scale reburials, was crucial. Only actors with the capacity and attentive to (international) accountability norms were likely to engage in strategic disinterment.

THE BONES OF TIBULLUS: OVID, AMORES 3.9.59

Abstract This article argues for an emendation to Ovid, Amores 3.9, Ovid's lament for Tibullus. The transmitted text of line 59 would seem to present a contradiction: Ovid speculates about aliquid nisi nomen et umbra surviving death, and then proceeds in the next few lines to identify that aliquid as, precisely, Tibullus’ umbra. Ovid's original text was most likely aliquid nisi nomen et ossa, referring to a burial site and funerary inscription; with this text, Ovid reproduces details from Tibullus 1.3, a poem which he reworks throughout his elegy.

The Object Protected by the Criminalization of Insult to a Human Corpse in Polish Law

The insult of a human corpse is one of the oldest crimes. The guarantee of the inviolability of a human body after death, as well as the cult of the deceased are considered a precursors of religious faith. In the early periods of social development, the protection of corpses and burial sites stemmed from the prevailing religious beliefs among community members. Hence, in legal orders, it was religion, religious feelings, worship of the deceased, and others that were the main objects protected by the criminalization of insulting a corpse. To date, such a position remains popular and widely accepted. However, with the progress of civilization, more attention is beginning to be paid to the fact that the legal protection of human corpses is independent of religion. The purpose of the article is to point out the multiplicity of definitions of the object protected by the criminalization of insulting a corpse and thereby make the reader aware that both the law and the values cultivated in society are dynamic institutions. This will make lawyers aware that their activity should not only focus on passive acceptance and repetition of the established truths and values, but also prompt them to figure out new ones or to search for new justifications that are more suitable in the current reality.

Strontium Isotope Analysis at an 18th Century Burial Ground in Semonice (Czech Republic) – the Use of Modern Skeletal Remains and its Narrative and Interpretative Value

Strontium Isotope Analysis at an 18th Century Burial Ground in Semonice (Czech Republic) – the Use of Modern Skeletal Remains and its Narrative and Interpretative Value

Evaluation of the Epidemic Situation of Anthrax in Armenia Over the Last Decade.

Anthrax is a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed disease that must be reported upon confirmation based on the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Anthrax poses a serious health issue for unvaccinated livestock, is a threat to humans through interaction with contaminated livestock and animal products and is endemic in many areas throughout the world, including the Transcaucasian Region. Despite several control and eradication efforts that have been implemented by the government of the Republic of Armenia (RA), sporadic cases of anthrax are still reported. We sought to understand the epidemic situation of anthrax in RA during the last 10 years (2012-2023) based on analysis of outbreaks and reported cases in cattle and humans. We collected and evaluated officially reported data from human and animal cases, such as time, location, animal species, disease intensity and spread radius. The data and various parameters were mapped using ArcGIS to prepare a viable risk assessment. Based on the officially available data and reports, there have been 80 human cases and 55 animal cases of anthrax confirmed in RA from 2012 to 2023. We also identified the presence of anthrax spores in soil and environmental samples near animal burial sites in RA in 2015-2017 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Upon comparing the human and animal cases by frequency and intensity, the human cases are directly proportional to the animal husbandry practices performed in RA. The detection of the anthrax pathogen at the burial sites highlights the continued threat in these areas. Thus, it is imperative to secure and monitor any areas that have been used for anthrax burial and limit the movement of animals in these areas. In the future, legislation should be updated to prioritise incineration of anthrax-infected carcasses instead of burial to limit further exposure to animals and humans.

동심원 암각화의 제작 시기 및 상징성 고찰 - 영남 내륙 지역을 중심으로

The objective of this study is to determine the age of concentric circle petroglyphs and to elucidate the character of the sites and the symbolism of the motifs within their historical context. The determination of the age is a central yet challenging aspect of petroglyph research, given their exposure to external elements. This is true even for those found in burial sites, where various factors can influence the dating. However, the discovery of cup marks and concentric circle motifs on the cover stone of Songguk-ri No.1 stone cist tomb in Buyeo, which was investigated without exposure, provided a basis for examining the age by extracting common elements across regions. Consequently, it was determined that the concentric circle petroglyphs were engraved during the middle to late Bronze Age. The ages were delineated to estimate the diffusion routes. The middle to late Bronze Age, characterized by advanced agricultural practices, witnessed significant social changes and the emergence of social stratification. In this context, burial sites with engraved petroglyphs are understood to be spaces that went beyond simple funerary rites to include ancestor veneration and other ritualistic purposes. Additionally, the presence of petroglyphs on vertical rock faces near watersides suggests these sites were multifunctional ceremonial spaces, likely used for rituals promoting prosperity and other communal activities. Thus, sites with concentric circle petroglyphs are understood to be ceremonial spaces, and the motifs themselves are interpreted within this context. While the symbolism of these motifs is widely debated, with suggestions including the sun or water, their locations and the historical context suggest a stronger association with water rather than the sun.

Ancient Disaster, the Cause of the Burial of the Kumitir Archeological Site

The Kumitir site, associated with the Majapahit Empire, is a significant archeological discovery. Archeologists from the East Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Center (BPCB), uncovered a structure at this site, buried beneath boulder-sized rocks. According to historical literature, the collapse of Majapahit was caused by volcanic eruptions from the Anjasmoro, Arjuno, or Welirang complexes. Therefore, this study aimed to recreate the gravity-driven mass flow covering the Kumitir Site. Geological surveys, including sediment structure analysis and grain orientation measurements, were conducted to provide new information on paleocurrent and ancient sedimentary processes at the site. Digital Elevation Map (DEM) and the Laharz simulation tool facilitated the creation of reconstructed lahar flow maps using open-source DEM data with an eight-meter resolution. The results of the boulder analysis showed that a paleochannel played a significant role in the burial site, with two sources identified, namely Mount Welirang (Welirang alluvial fan) and the Anjasmoro complex (Old Jatirejo alluvial fan). Meanwhile, the combination of methods applied signified the direction of the Welirang alluvial fan (ESE-NNW) and the Jatirejo Tua alluvial fan (SSW-NNE). Volumes of 9 million m3 and 65 million m3 were the most relevant parameters for estimating the lahar flows of the western and eastern craters, respectively.

Temporal Monitoring of Simulated Burials in an Arid Environment Using RGB/Multispectral Sensor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

For the first time, RGB and multispectral sensors deployed on UAVs were used to facilitate grave detection in a desert location. The research sought to monitor surface anomalies caused by burials using manual and enhanced detection methods, which was possible up to 18 months. Near-IR (NIR) and Red-Edge bands were the most suitable for manual detection, with a 69% and 31% success rate, respectively. Meanwhile, the enhanced method results varied depending on the sensor. The standard Reed–Xiaoli Detector (RXD) algorithm and Uniform Target Detector (UTD) algorithm were the most suitable for RGB data, with 56% and 43% detection rates, respectively. For the multispectral data, the percentages varied between the algorithms with a hybrid of the RXD and UTD algorithms yielding a 56% detection rate, the UTD algorithm 31%, and the RXD algorithm 13%. Moreover, the research explored identifying grave mounds using the normalized digital surface model (nDSM) and evaluated using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in grave detection. nDSM successfully located grave mounds at heights as low as 1 cm. A noticeable difference in NDVI values was observed between the graves and their surroundings, regardless of the extreme weather conditions. The results support the potential of using RGB and multispectral sensors mounted on UAVs for detecting burial sites in an arid environment.

Sex estimation using long bones in the largest burial site of the Copper Age: Linear discriminant analysis and random forest

Sex estimation of the individuals in a sample is fundamental for any bioarchaeological study to define a particular demographic assemblage or to classify isolated remains. Long bones are an excellent alternative for sex estimation when the most dimorphic anatomical parts are not preserved or are highly altered. Here we propose a set of discriminant functions and classification models to estimate the sex of prehistoric individuals using linear discriminant analysis and machine learning approaches. Different osteometric variables were taken from the humeri, ulnae, radii, femurs and tibias of a sample of 109 articulated skeletons buried in the collective tomb of Camino del Molino (Region of Murcia, SE-Spain), dated to the 3rd millennium BC. Sex was estimated based on standard anthropological methods and ancient DNA analysis of a control sample. Fifty-two discriminant functions with prediction thresholds higher than 0.8 on the ROC curve were obtained using independent (22) and combined variables (30). The best LDA models for sex prediction were those based on proximal epiphyseal widths or their combination with other variables, reaching values close to 0.98 on the ROC curve. The random forest-based model obtained an accuracy of 0.94 and confirmed the importance of epiphyseal widths in sex classification. This analysis is more comprehensive than univariate LDA, as it allows for ranking the importance of bones in sex discrimination and considers correlations between long bones rather than treating them as independent observations. In contrast, applying LDA to each bone makes it easier to predict the sex of other coeval collections that do not have such a complete sample. This work aims to overcome the scarcity of methods that can be applied to sex estimation of the large volume of isolated remains from Camino del Molino and for other Mediterranean skeletal series from the Late Prehistory with high biological affinity and that share similar environmental conditions.

Digawa Community: Their Beliefs and Opinions: A Critical Analytical Study in Light of Islamic Sharia

This study examines the Digawa group in northern Nigeria, particularly in Jigawa State, known for their distinct beliefs and practices among Muslims. The research critically analyzes their history, divisions, and socio-economic impact to differentiate acceptable beliefs from those deemed rejected. Utilizing descriptive, analytical, field, and critical methods, the study references the sayings of Digawa leaders and Islamic Sharia texts. The Digawa are divided into praying (Qadiriyya and Mahdiyya) and non-praying sections, each with unique practices such as strict confinement of women, prohibition of music, and specific burial customs. The findings reveal significant deviations from mainstream Islamic scholarship, emphasizing the need for informed intervention to guide the Digawa towards more universally accepted practices. This analysis is supported by the Islamic principle of Ijtihad, which allows for interpretation and adaptation of Islamic teachings to ensure alignment with the core values and broader consensus within the Muslim ummah.

Microbiological and decomposition analysis of mass mink burial sites during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment. Additionally, we evaluated carcasses for decay status, cadaverine content, and the presence of various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus. Our findings revealed minimal microbial activity and limited carcass decomposition. Although viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and mink coronavirus, along with DNA from Aleutian mink disease virus, were detected, the absence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays suggests slow natural degradation processes. This study provides critical insights for future considerations in managing mass burial scenarios during outbreaks of livestock-associated zoonotic pathogens.

Bioarchaeological Perspectives on Late Antiquity in Dalmatia: Paleogenetic, Dietary, and Population Studies of the Hvar—Radošević burial site

Late Antiquity Dalmatia was a time and place of political unrest in the Roman Empire that influenced the lives of those in that region. The Late Antique burial site of Hvar – Radošević, spanning the 3rd to 5th centuries CE, is located on the Croatian Dalmatian island of Hvar. Given the time frame and location on a busy marine trade route, the study of this burial site offers us a glimpse into the lives of the Late Antique population living on this island. It comprises 33 individuals, with 17 buried within a confined grave tomb and the remaining individuals buried in separate locations in the tomb's proximity. The study aims to provide a new perspective on the lives of people on the island during those times by studying ancestry, population structure, possible differences within the buried population, dietary habits, and general health. The genetic analysis of the ancestral origins of the individuals buried at Hvar – Radošević revealed a diverse population reflective of the era's genetic variability. The identification of genetic outliers suggests a range of ancestries from distinct regions of the Roman Empire, possibly linked to trade routes associated with the Late Antique port in ancient Hvar. Stable isotope ratio analysis (δ13C and δ15N) indicated a diet mainly consisting of C3 plants, with minimal consumption of marine foods. High childhood mortality rates, physiological stress markers, and dental diseases suggest a low quality of life in the population. Assessment of kinship and dietary patterns revealed no discernible distinctions between individuals buried within the tomb and those buried outside, indicative of an absence of differential burial practices based on social status and familial ties among this specific buried population.

Memorial museums and burial sites: Rwanda’s unfinished memory work

Memorialisation of those who died during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi has been an ongoing concern for both the Rwandan and non-Rwandan communities. The majority of the existing memorials were initially constructed by survivors supported by the local community, administration and other partners in response to the urgent need to bury the bodies of genocide victims. These sites have transformed over the years as memorial policies have codified and evolved. Memorial museums reflect the growing tendency of viewing trauma sites as artistic, interactive spaces that engage with those who visit them. This article examines the aesthetics of memory in three memorial museums situated in Rwanda’s western province: Bisesero, Gatwaro and Ngoma. It reflects on the work of the Rwandan architect Vedaste Ngarambe and his contribution as a local voice by considering how the architect’s aesthetic design choices reflect not only stories of the massacres that unfolded at the three sites but also the mourning culture of the community in which they are located.

Searching for alternative high DNA-yielding bone types for DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains

The petrous bone contains significantly higher amounts of DNA than any other human bone. Because of highly destructive sampling and because it is not always part of the recovered remains, the need for alternative sources of DNA is important. To identify additional optimal bone types, petrous bones were compared to femurs, tali, and calcanei sampled from 66 adult skeletons from two distinct modern-era Christian cemeteries. An extraction method employing full demineralization was used to obtain DNA, real-time PCR quantification to ascertain DNA quantity and degradation, and a commercial forensic short tandem repeats (STR) PCR amplification kit to determine genetic profiles. Statistical analysis was performed to explore the differences in DNA yield, DNA degradation, and success of STR amplification. A systematic studies exploring intra-skeletal variability in DNA preservation including various excavation sites differing by time period and geographical position are rare, and the second part of the investigation was based on a comparison of both archaeological sites, which allowed us to compare the effect of different post-mortem intervals and environmental conditions on DNA preservation. The older burial site in Črnomelj was active between the 13th and 18th century, whereas the more recent Polje burial was in use from the 16th to 19th century, creating different temporal and geographical environments. Results for the Črnomelj burial site revealed that the petrous bone outperformed all other bone types studied, except the calcaneus. At the Polje archeological site calcanei, tali, and femurs yielded the same STR typing success as petrous bones. The results obtained highlight the importance of careful bone sample selection for DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains. In addition to petrous bones, calcanei were found to be an alternative source of DNA when older burial sites are investigated. When more recent burial sites are processed, calcanei, tali, and femurs should be sampled besides petrous bones, not only because they exhibited good performance, but also because of easier sampling and easier grinding in the case of trabecular bones. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential use of various skeletal types as a source of DNA for investigation of aged skeletal remains, and it offers practical implications for forensic and archaeological investigations.

Research on Real-Time Groundwater Quality Monitoring System Using Sensors around Livestock Burial Sites

Research on Real-Time Groundwater Quality Monitoring System Using Sensors around Livestock Burial Sites

Community Composition and Functional Characterization of Microorganisms in Surface Sediment of the New Britain Trench.

The deep-sea harbors abundant prokaryotic biomass is a major site of organic carbon remineralization and long-term carbon burial in the ocean. Deep-sea trenches are the deepest part of the ocean, and their special geological and morphological features promoting the accumulation of organic matter and active organic carbon turnover. Despite the expanding reports about the organic matter inputs, limited information is known regarding microbial processes in deep-sea trenches. In this study, we investigated the species composition and metabolic potential in surface sediment of the New Britain Trench (NBT), using a metagenomic approach. The predominant microbial taxa in NBT sediment include Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria and Chloroflexota. The microbial communities showed highly diverse metabolic potentials. Particularly, genes encoding enzymes for degradation of aromatic compounds, as well as those encoding haloalkane dehalogenase and haloacetate dehalogenase were annotated in the NBT surface sediment, which indicate the potential of microorganisms to degrade different types of refractory organic matter. The functional genes encoding enzymes for dissimilatory nitrate reduction, denitrification, and nitrification were also represented in the NBT metagenome. Overall, the microbial communities show high diversity of heterotrophic lineages and metabolic features, supporting their potential contributions in organic carbon metabolism. Meanwhile, Nitrosopumilus, a dominant genus in the surface sediment of the NBT, is a typical ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), with autotrophic CO2 fixation pathways including the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutylate (3HP/4HB) cycle, the reductive TCA (rTCA) cycle. The results demonstrate that autotrophic metabolic processes also play an important role in the surface sediment, by providing newly synthesized organic matter.