Medieval Cemetery Research Articles

Anomalous Radiocarbon Dates from the Early Medieval Cremation Graves from Broechem (Flanders, Belgium): Reservoir or Old Wood Effects?

ABSTRACTAs part of the study of the early medieval cemetery at Broechem (Belgium), human bones from 32 cremation graves have been dated through radiocarbon (14C) analysis. It was noted that many of the dates were not in accordance with the chronological ranges provided by the characteristics of the cultural artifacts deposited in the graves. In fact, the human bones were “older” than the artifacts. Subsequently, a number of animal bones (in all cases from domestic pigs) was radiocarbon dated, yielding dates that were more consistent with the information from the cultural artifacts than the human bones. The dates obtained on human and pig bones from the same grave often differed around 100 radiocarbon years. This paper tries to find an explanation for the pattern observed, concentrating on two hypotheses: aquatic reservoir versus old wood effects. The evaluation takes into account additional radiocarbon dates derived from charcoal fragments of the funeral pyre, from both short-lived and long-lived taxa. A conclusive explanation for the anomalous radiocarbon dates could not be reached but clear suggestions can be put forward for future experimental work that will without doubt shed more light upon the interpretational problems raised.

НАДМОГИЛЬНЫЕ ПАМЯТНИКИ ДЕТСКИХ ПОГРЕБЕНИЙ XIV–XV ВВ. ИЗ С. КУБАЧИ: ОСОБЕННОСТИ ДЕКОРАТИВНОЙ ОТДЕЛКИ

В статье публикуются надмогильные памятники XIV–XV вв. детских погребений, выявленные автором в 80-е годы ХХ в. на средневековых мусульманских кладбищах «Бидахъ хуппе» (могилы на той стороне) и «Цицила». Кладбища эти расположены примерно в 1,5–2 км южнее старой части с. Кубачи, на нижнем участке горного склона Цицила, обращенного северной стороной к этому селению. Сравнительно небольшое количество резных надгробий XIV–XV вв. этих кладбищ изучены автором и другими исследователями. Не изученными остаются еще немало декоративно отделанных памятников, в том числе стелы, поставленные на могилы детских погребений. В данной статье стелы эти рассматриваются в сравнительном плане с синхронными декорированными надгробиями погребений взрослых или старых людей, выясняются особенности их декоративной отделки. Отмечается, что на могилы детских погребений ставились у изголовья небольшого размера стелы, отделанные растительным орнаментом. Рельефные арабские надписи, выполненные монументальным почерком «цветущий куфи» и на фоне растительного орнамента на надгробиях детских погребений не встречены. Это одно из значительных отличий, помимо размеров, стел детских погребений от декора памятников захоронений взрослых или старых людей. Причиной этого было, вероятно, то, что на надмогильные плиты небольшого размера невозможно было разместить общепринятые для больших плит погребений взрослых или старых мужчин или женщин эпитафии – шахада «Нет божества кроме Аллаха, Мухаммед его посланник», изречения «Смерть – чаша, каждый пьет из нее, могила – ворота, каждый входит в нее» и т.д., выполненные крупными рельефными буквами. По своим формам надгробия детских погребений аналогичны надгробиям погребений взрослых или старых людей сельской общины. Из десяти описанных памятников из сел. Кубачи на четырех имеются собственные имена погребенных.

A Biocultural Approach to Understanding the Presence of Children from Medieval Hospitals in England: What Can We Learn from Archaeological Investigations?

ABSTRACTThe revival of monasticism in the eleventh century promoted greater seclusion of monks and the re-positioning of care offered to the community. The increasing prevelance of leprosy also prompted the development of hospitals as independent foundations. These factors contributed to the establishment of over 1000 hospitals in England during the medieval period (AD 1050–1550). Documentary evidence relating to the inhabitants of these sites, particularly non-adults, is scarce. Over the past twenty years, archaeological excavations and bioarchaeological studies of medieval hospital cemeteries across England, have produced an increasing body of evidence which is revealing new information about hospital inhabitants. This paper will provide an overview of current approaches to the study of non-adults buried at medieval hospitals from historical, archaeological and bioarchaeological perspectives. Consideration is given to the theoretical and scientific advances in these areas, and the potential of osteological methods to enhance our knowledge of non-adults in hospital populations.

Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets In Early Medieval Wales: A Multi-Methodological Case Study

ABSTRACTAn early medieval cemetery dating to between the eighth and eleventh centuries AD was excavated beneath St Patrick’s Chapel at Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The cemetery population includes adult males, females and a large proportion of non-adults below 18 years of age. Osteological analysis revealed a case of vitamin D deficiency rickets in a 2–3 year old child, which was further confirmed through the histological analysis of the first permanent molar tooth. This paper presents the results of the osteological, radiographic and histological analyses, which support the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. The research demonstrates the valuable contribution a multi-methodological approach can make to the investigation of non-adult health in the past. The evidence collated here allows further exploration of the possible circumstances that led to this condition, and makes a valuable contribution to an otherwise small number of cases of rickets from early medieval Britain.

К оценке мобильности жителей Суздальского Ополья X – первой половины XII века

Становление Северо-Восточной Руси X-XI вв. традиционно рассматривается как процесс, сопряженный с активным мультикультурным взаимодействием и продвижением в Волго-Окский регион выходцев из Поднепровья, северо-западных земель Руси и Скандинавии, а густая сеть сельских поселений XI-XIII вв., документированная в центральных районах Северо-Восточной Руси в последние десятилетия, и реконструкции средневековых ландшафтов однозначно свидетельствуют о том, что подъем региона во многом обеспечивался его сельскохозяйственным потенциалом, благосостоянием и устойчивостью сел. Вопрос об уровне мобильности населения Северо-Восточной Руси X-XII вв. представляет исключительный интерес. Перспективным является его изучение с использованием данных об изотопном составе стронция в эмали зубов и костной ткани индивидов из средневековых погребений. По материалам некрополя крупной сельской агломерации X- начала XIII в. Шекшово-9 ее население предстает многокомпонентным в культурном отношении, состоятельным и включенным в сеть торговых связей. В основу обсуждения миграционной активности обитателей этого большого сельского поселения положены данные масс-спектрометрических исследований 24 индивидов и трех животных из могильников Шекшово-2 и -9. Проведенные реконструкции указывают на высокий по сравнению с аналогичными восточно-европейскими памятниками процент местных уроженцев в шекшовской палеопопуляции. Не выявлена непосредственная связь между присутствием инокультурных предметов и изотопной «меткой» мигранта первого поколения. Полученная картина местного происхождения основной части населения не находит пока прямых аналогий среди памятников Восточной и Северной Европы XXI вв., исследованных с использованием данных об изотопном составе стронция в скелетных останках.

The Bokino medieval Mordvin cemetery

The Bokino medieval Mordvin cemetery

On the Way to the Afterlife. Some Observations on the Presence of Weaponry in Early Medieval Cemeteries in the Context of Their Social and Cultural Circulation

The custom of burying the dead with weaponry depended on prevailing social norms and religious beliefs which determined the choice of a particular type of weapon to be placed in a pit grave. The primary activity here seems to be the act of withdrawal of selected elements of weaponry from further use for the purpose of including it in the posthumous equipment. This article addresses a few issues of this complex problem while taking account of early medieval finds, mainly from the territory of Poland. The presence of weapons in graves could result from many ways and trajectories of their circulation, which finally contributed to a certain configuration and choice of elements of weaponry both in terms of quality as well as quantity deposited in burials. Many of the pieces of weaponry had their own special “history” or “biography” before being placed in the grave. They could have belonged to an esteemed ancestor, commemorate some special event or participate in an exchange many times

The Chronology of Medieval Copenhagen

ABSTRACTHistorical sources reveals that Copenhagen was founded in the late 12th century AD by Bishop Absalon. However, during the excavation for the new metro in central Copenhagen a previously unknown early medieval cemetery was discovered and excavated at the Town Hall Square. Radiocarbon (14C) analysis was conducted on the 9 individuals found in situ, together with 11 individuals from the other early medieval cemetery in Copenhagen, belonging to the St Clemens church. The radiocarbon analysis places the onset of the cemeteries to the early 11th century AD and therefore questions the age of Copenhagen and hence the archaeological and historical perception of the Danish historical record. Here a detailed account of the radiocarbon-based Bayesian model is presented.

Нова пам’ятка середньовічної архітектури біля с. Жорнівка на р. Ірпінь (за матеріалами досліджень Руслана Орлова 1991–1992 років)

In 1991–1992 in expedition led by R. Orlov the excavations of a multilayer site was carried out. It was located in Kyjevo-Svjatoshyn district of Kyiv region at 1,6 km from eastern part of Zhornivka village in a direction on South-East. The objects of Zarubynetska culture, the household pits and a Middle Age dwelling, the remains of the foundation of stone cult building, remains of brick sarcophagus near this building, burials on church cemetery dated by Middle Age and Modern Age times were discovered on the site place. In December 2017, during revision of materials at the workplace of R. Orlov in Department of ancient and medieval archeology, A. Borisov found three drawings, made on tracing paper: general plan of the site in Church Place, combined plan of excavation conducted in 1991–1992 and plan of the apse of cult building. It also contained some artifacts, probably selected from the general collection for the creation of illustrations, and in a separate package – anthropological materials from several graves of the medieval cemetery. Single-apse church of the moderate size was constructed using the bar bricks with grooves on its surface. By its features, this brick is very close to the material of the repairs and alterations which were made to certain Kievan churches constructed during the Premongol period. One of the burials cut into the ruins included the types of the ornaments which are limiting the date of destruction of the church to the 13th century. In the course of the excavations, the architectural type of the church was defined as the one without internal buttresses. However the revision of the field records gives the ground for possible remodelling of the cross-in-square church with 4 pillars. The results of these investigations were not published by the author for unknown reasons. In spring of 2019, complex of sites near Zhornivka village was re-examined. In an area of about 5,4 hectares numerous ceramic materials of XVII–XVIII centuries were recorded. They indicate existence here of large settlement in Late Middle Ages, which probably occupied the whole territory of cape-like outlier, bounded from north and south by deep ravines. In 2019 on September, 30 could be a 70th anniversary of Ruslan Orlov. The publishing of the investigation results of 1991–1992 is a best way for honoring memory of researcher on our opinion. Key words: Zhornivka village, Irpin river, multilayer site, hilltop fortified settlement, Zarubynetska culture, Old Rus time, Middle Age, church, cemetery, monastery.

A case of projectile trauma from the medieval Poulton Chapel, Cheshire, the United Kingdom

AbstractExcavations at the medieval cemetery of Poulton Chapel, Cheshire, have uncovered over 900 articulated human skeletal remains, with numbers predicted to reach as high as 1500 as excavations continue. The demographics of this archaeological site is typical of a medieval rural assemblage. However, SK535 provides a glimpse into some of the traumatic aspects of medieval life. The excavation of SK535 revealed a middle‐aged adult male around 168 cm in stature. His position of burial was typical of Christian burials with an east‐west orientation, but the positioning of his arms identified that this was not a typical burial. His right arm was flexed at the elbow crossing the thorax, whereas the left arm was in the extended position. This is different from the other arm positions observed at Poulton Chapel. A metal object, identified here as a Type M7 bodkin arrowhead, was recovered from underneath the right arm, from within the thorax. This arrowhead was potentially armour piercing, and the type was commonly used during the 12th–13th century. Radiocarbon dates obtained for SK535 coincide with the time of the use of this arrowhead. Following the initial assessment, the only other instance of trauma identified in SK535 was a healed transverse fracture to the right distal ulna. Due to the location of Poulton Chapel in Cheshire, SK535 could have been wounded by an arrow carrying the M7 bodkin during English‐Welsh border skirmishes, which occurred frequently during this time period. The demographic profile of this individual indicates a possible professional fighter of the medieval period; however, no firm skeletal evidence of occupation could be provided. Nonetheless, this case study not only highlights the violence experienced during the medieval period but also indicates the ability for the survival of some traumas.

Arqueología y restauración del cementerio medieval de San Juan del Hospital (Valencia)

El cementerio medieval de San Juan del Hospital de Valencia comienza a funcionar a mediados del siglo XIII tras la conquista de la ciudad en 1238. Es una de las primeras áreas cementeriales que se construyen siguiendo la tipología de cementerio murado con arcosolios perimetrales y capilla funeraria central sobre túmulo. Las campañas arqueológicas realizadas entre 1997 y 2014 han desvelado múltiples vestigios que han contribuido a conocer la historia del conjunto cementerial. La catalogación de las piezas de piedra halladas, basada en el análisis geométrico y metrológico partiendo de un riguroso levantamiento de planos, ha permitido llevar a cabo la anastilosis de dos arcosolios adosados a la iglesia, la reparación de los arcosolios de la panda sur y la restitución de piezas faltantes en la capilla funeraria.

Perimortem sharp force trauma in an individual from the early medieval cemetery of Säben-Sabiona in South Tyrol, Italy

ObjectiveTo provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of cranial and postcranial lesions noted on an early medieval skeleton from the Italian Alps. MaterialsIndividual (SK63) was buried within the early Christian church (5th-8th centuries AD) of Säben-Sabiona in South Tyrol (Italy). MethodsThe skeleton underwent macroscopic, microscopic and metric analyses. ResultsSK63 was a 19–25 year old male, the analysis identified at least 29 lesions, consisting of three possible antemortem injuries and 26 perimortem sharp force injuries on the cranium (n = 4) and postcranium (n = 22). ConclusionsThe trauma pattern observed indicates that different bladed weapons were used and interpersonal violence rather than a large-scale conflict led to the death of SK63. SignificanceThe present findings provide novel information on violent interpersonal interactions in early medieval Säben-Sabiona, Italy. LimitationsThe sequence of the inflicted injuries was not reconstructed. Suggestions for Further ResearchFuture interdisciplinary investigations (i.e., 3D imaging and reconstructions) will provide a better understanding of the possible types of weapons used to inflict injuries, the required forces to create the lesions, as well as the directions of impact.

Belt Sets of the “Redikar Type” in Medieval Cemeteries of the Volga Finns

This article describes the belt sets decorated by metal plaques with nodular rims, which we term Redikar sets after the place where they were fi rst found in a hoard. They are believed to mark the Magyar migration to Pannonia. We discuss the question of when and how such and similar belts got to the Volga Finns of the Lower Oka. The mapping of parallels suggests that their principal distribution area is the Kama basin and western Ural, i.e. places formerly inhabited by Ugrians. Stylistically, the decoration of such belts resembles that of Iranian toreutics and of the cast ritual items from the western Ural (Perm) and eastern Ural. Because trade and manufacture centers with jewelers’ workshops associated with silver mines existed in the Kama basin, this might have been the area from where silver belts of the Redikar type were brought to the Volga basin. The chronology of the fi nds is analyzed in detail, and the conclusion is made that they date to the fi rst half of the 10th century. On the Lower Oka, in the western Ural, and in the Kama basin, the Redikar belts are found in burials of the military elite members. Theу were supplied to the Mordvins along the Volga-Kama trade route, spanning territories from the Ural to Scandinavia. Their presence in cemeteries on the Tsna River suggests that Volga Finns were involved in the formation of early states at the turn of the fi rst and second millennia.

Histomorphological study on hypocellularity in mastoid processes from archaeological human skeletons

ObjectiveTo evaluate processes causing two types of mastoid hypocellularity (Type 1 and Type 3), and to provide histomorphological criteria for a differential diagnosis in archaeological human bone. Materials and methodsEight human crania from the early medieval cemetery in Dirmstein (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) displaying secondary obliteration of mastoid air cells were analyzed using light-microscopy and backscattered electron imaging. ResultsIn Type 1 hypocellularity, obliteration starts in the non-pneumatized portion of the mastoid process and extends into the pneumatized portion. The findings could represent a chronic, maybe recurrent condition related to a pathologically altered middle ear mucosa in early childhood. In Type 3, a sequence of resorptive and proliferative processes are present and are consistent with a healing stage of mastoiditis. ConclusionsUsing histomorphology, in vivo processes resulting in different types of mastoid hypocellularity can be assessed, even in bones that have undergone some degree of diagenesis. SignificanceThe study provides methods to evaluate the etiology of histomorphological changes of the mastoid process, which potentially provides insight into the presence of infection and inflammation in past populations. LimitationsDiagenetic modifications of archaeological bone can hinder assessment of histomorphological change, requiring careful evaluation during analysis. Suggestions for further researchIncluding histomorphology in future studies on archaeological human crania can contribute to an improved differential diagnosis of pathological conditions in the middle ear region.

Variation in pelvic shape and size in Eastern European males: a computed tomography comparative study.

BackgroundThe significantly accelerated development of human society in the last millennium has brought about changes in human behavior and body mass that may have influenced human bone morphology. Our objective was to analyze the variation in pelvic shape and size in males from modern and medieval populations.MethodsWe obtained 22 pelvic girdles of adult males from a medieval cemetery located in Cedynia, Poland. The control group comprised 31 contemporary male pelves from individuals inhabiting the same region. The analyzed parameters were: interspinous distance (ISD), intercristal distance (ICD), intertuberous distance (ITD), anatomic conjugate of the pelvis, height of the pelvis (HP), iliac opening angle (IOA), iliac tilt angle (ITA), and ISD/ITD/HP ratio. Geometric morphometrics was used to analyze differences in shape in the pelves. All analyses were carried out on three-dimensional CT reconstructions of pelves.ResultsISD, ICD, and IOA were significantly greater in modern pelves than in those from Cedynia, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups in ITD, anatomical conjugate, HP, or ITA. ISD/ITD/HP ratios were significantly lower in the Cedynia group. Geometric morphometrics revealed significant differences in pelvic shape between the analyzed groups.DiscussionThe pelves of modern males are larger, wider, and flatter than those of medieval males. Changes in the set of daily activities that produce mechanical loading and estimated body mass may constitute the main factors explaining pelvic variability. However, differences in ontogenesis should also be taken into consideration, especially since growth in past populations is often found to be reduced relative to modern populations.

A mandibular bone defect of uncertain significance: report of a paleopathological case.

Anatomical variations of the mandibular canal as well as the presence of accessory canals and foramina are common findings in the human mandible. Here, we present a previously unreported type of anatomical variation, consisting of a large full-thickness bone defect of the right mandibular ramus, observed in a young male unearthed from a mediaeval cemetery located in North-Eastern Italy. The defect was located very close to, yet not directly connected with, the mandibular canal. Awareness of the existence of deviations from the anatomical norm such as that we describe here is strategic to avoid diagnostic misinterpretations, minimise technical hitches, and prevent clinical complications during invasive procedures in the region of the mandible.

The mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation tested in an early medieval population from Ostrów Lednicki (Poland).

The aetiology of septal aperture formation is still an open question. The influence of bone robusticity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and the size and shape of ulnar processes has been discussed. Some researchers have shown that weaker muscles lead to greater joint hypermobility, the impingement of ulnar processes on the humeral lamina, and, consequently, septal aperture formation. Assuming this theory is correct, the question is whether flexion or extension or both play a role in septal lamina perforation. The aim of the study was to examine the mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation in samples of skeletal material derived from an early medieval cemetery in Ostrów Lednicki (Poland). A total of 136 pairs of bones (humeri and ulnae) were examined. Septal aperture was scored as present or absent. Entheseal changes in ulna were used as markers of activity patterns, especially involving elbow extension and flexion. Entheseal changes were assessed based on a three-point rating scale. A significant negative correlation between septal aperture and triceps muscles was noted in right bones in females (τ=-0.331) and in both sexes combined (τ=-0.322). The relationship between septal aperture and the brachialis muscle was positive but non-significant. This means that looser triceps lead to greater looseness of the elbow, greater protrusion of the olecranon process, and consequent septal aperture formation. Different results were obtained for the brachialis, which may suggest that forearm flexion does not significantly affect septal lamina perforation.

Czeskie monety z X–XI wieku z cmentarzysk w miejscowościach Bodzia i Dziekanowice (Polska) / Bohemian coins of the 10–11th centuries from the cemeteries in Bodzia and Dziekanowice (Poland)

The article presents the Bohemian coins discovered during the archaeological excavations at two Early Medieval cemeteries. At the location Bodzia, 58 graves dating to the 10th–11th centuries have been discovered. In 24 of them, 12 complete coins and 55 coin fragments have been found. Three of these coins were classified as Bohemian: one complete denier and one denier fragment produced under Boleslaus II and one fragment of denier struck under Boleslaus III. At the location Dziekanowice (10th–13th centuries), some 30 complete coins and 87 coin fragments have been discovered after examination of 1,665 graves. The Bohemian coins there were represented by five fragments. Some of them were too small for precise attribution. Hypothetically, they could be classified as deniers produced under Vladivoj I, Jaromír I, Břetislaus I, Spytihněv II and Vratislaus II. In Poland, 3,840 Bohemian and Moravian coins of the 10th–11th centuries have been registered in total, which represents only 1.5 % of all Early Medieval coins found in the Polish territory.

Археологические работы на могильнике средневекового городища Сортобе 2

Археологические работы на могильнике средневекового городища Сортобе 2

The Bones Have Been Cast. Away. The Attitude of Inhabitants of Chartered Stargard to the Remains of Their Predecessors from Early Middle Ages

The article pertains to the problem of human bone remains from an early medieval cemetery which were re-deposited, mainly in the late Middle Ages. The reason for such practices was the change of a location’s purpose through inhabitation and inclusion in a newly founded chartered town. Despite the damage, several dozen burials have been preserved in their anatomical shape. A part of the necropolis was discovered in 2008 during archaeological research in the area of one of the quarters of Stargard’s Old Town (Western Pomerania).