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This paper aims to systematically investigate the value of combining traits from different anatomical regions in osteological sexing by contrasting the utility of single traits and established scores with those of ensembles of traits from single or multiple anatomical regions, allowing metric and morphological traits to be combined. The utility was defined as the fraction of the population for whom we could reach a posterior probability above 95% of being male or female. A total of 675 adult individuals from the sixth to eighth century AD cemetery of Mannheim Bösfeld, Germany, were assessed, and 27 postcranial metric traits and 41 morphological traits from the pelvis, mandible, and cranium were used. In addition, 13 metric and 3 morphological scores were considered. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to construct rules and cross validation to determine accuracy and utility. These parameters were determined for single traits and scores, trait groups defined by anatomical regions and/or previously considered in the literature, and ensembles of traits defined by selecting several promising traits from different anatomical regions. Accuracy of single traits ranged from 0.76 to 0.94, with scores even reaching 0.97, but utility remained around 0.2–0.4 for metric traits and up to 0.6 for morphological traits. Only scores and ensembles combining traits from different anatomical regions reached a utility above 0.7; that is, sex could be estimated in more than 70% of the individuals with a posterior probability above 95%. When selecting a limited number of traits for systematic sexing in a human skeletal series, it is advisable to select traits from different anatomical regions to obtain a reasonably reliable result in as many individuals as possible. Large scale investigations covering all relevant anatomical regions and involving a wide range of populations are required for more precise recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the bioarchaeological analysis of burials from a medieval graveyard at Hettstedt, Central Germany, a male skeleton of about 40 to 50 years at death with an unusual bony structure in the left maxillary sinus was discovered. Macroscopic examination exhibited a balloon‐shaped osseous lesion with solid cortical surface 2.5 × 1.5 cm in size. Micro‐CT scans revealed trabecular structures around a central cavity. The margins of the osseous lesion were well defined without infiltration of normal maxillary bone tissue. The histopathological analysis showed the presence of lamellar and woven bone. The structure and localisation of the tumour‐like lesion suggest that the formation was the result of chronic inflammation and that chronic dental sinusitis seems to have triggered a large reactive ossification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary accounts of battles are often incomplete or even erroneous because they reflect the—often biased—viewpoints of the authors. Battlefield archaeology faces the task of compiling an historical analysis of a battle and of gathering all the available facts. Besides cultural historical evidence and artefacts, the human remains of those who have fallen in battle also provide invaluable information. In studying mass graves from a military context, the injury types and patterns are significant. They allow us to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths and provide information on the hostilities that occurred on the battlefield. One such mass grave was discovered in 2011 at Lützen, Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). Based on its geographical location and on the results obtained from archaeological examinations carried out in the area, the grave could be dated to the Thirty Years War (1618–1648). Further archaeological research confirmed that the dead had been soldiers from the Battle of Lützen (1632). The mass grave was block-lifted and then comprehensively examined at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Saale). As well as osteological examinations to determine age, sex, height, state of health, i.e. diseases or injuries, imaging methods were also employed and histological and isotopic analyses carried out. The focus of this study was on the injuries sustained by the soldiers both prior to and during the battle. The results revealed that the 47 deceased had been between the ages of 15 and 50 when they died. Numerous healed injuries showed that the men had often been involved in violent encounters. Approximately three in every four soldiers had injuries that could have been fatal. Wounds inflicted by handguns, particularly to the skull, were predominant. The integrative analysis of the archaeological and anthropological data allowed us to conclude that the majority had been killed during a cavalry attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of human remains from the early La Tène (fourth/third century BC) Czech cemeteries of Radovesice I (RAD I), Radovesice II (RAD II), and Kutná Hora were conducted to investigate the importance of residential changes during the period of the historic 'Celtic migrations'. In the initial phases (LT A/B), the grave goods of these cemeteries are typical for the core area of the La Tène culture, while around 300 BC (LT B2) an alteration occurs and typical Bohemian styles arise, and connections to Moravia and the Danubian region become visible. The strontium isotope ratios are highly varied with 87Sr/86Sr values between 0.7062 and 0.7153 in Radovesice, and between 0.7082 and 0.7147 in Kutná Hora. The oxygen isotope data are more homogeneous and yield δ18Op ratios from 14.8‰ to 17.2‰ [mean: 16.2‰ ± 0.5 (1 σ)] in Radovesice, and from 14.9‰ to 17.3‰ [mean: 16.5‰ ± 0.6 (1 σ)] in Kutná Hora. Because the geological properties of the landscapes around the sites are variable and complex, most of the observed variations among the strontium isotope ratios may have been caused by agricultural practices, such as regularly changing farming land. Nevertheless, there are some individuals who differ completely from the regional isotopic baseline values. This suggests that at least a small part of the community migrated, which does not seem to be correlated with any particular phase of the La Tène period. Remarkably, it is mainly males who seem to be of nonlocal origin, and particularly those who were buried as warriors. Females, on the other hand, appear to have been more closely bonded to the Bohemian region. Whether the 'foreign' individuals with differing isotopic compositions came from Moravia or the Danubian region remains debatable. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:496-512, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the emergent role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of ancient human dental remains. Methods: We conducted a paleoradiologic study of the skeletal remains of 4 individuals dating from the Pliocene to the Medieval Period. The specialized software used permitted comprehensive analyses of the bone structures of the dental remains and the performing of three-dimensional stereolithographic reconstructions. Results: Paleoradiology helps demonstrate the detailed anatomy of fossil specimens, which permitted us to assign 1 of the specimens that we studied to the genus Homo, and not Australopithecus. Tooth and mandibular disease were identified in 2 specimens. Conclusion: CT is an essential noninvasive and nondestructive tool for the evaluation of human dental remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Palaeopathological and palaeoepidemiological analyses of human skeletal remains are some of the most important bases for the reconstruction of life of past populations. The assessment of frequency and degree of pathological alterations contributes to conclusions of a population's health status, labour conditions, and environmental influences. Degenerative diseases of the spine are among the most common lesions observed in archaeological human remains. The large number of excavated Early Mediaeval cemeteries in Germany enables the comparison of contemporary populations increasing the reliability of conclusions regarding their living conditions. In this study, 112 adult individuals with largely complete and well preserved spines from the Early Mediaeval population of Mannheim-Seckenheim were analysed for pattern and degree of degenerative changes of the spine. The severity of degeneration was recorded using modified categories originally presented by Lutter (1984) for spondylosis deformans and spondylarthrosis deformans scaling from 0 to 4. In addition, the presence of Schmorl's nodes was recorded and the vertebrae were examined for signs of Scheuermann's disease. In general, there was a high prevalence of degenerative diseases of the spine and males were affected more often and to a greater degree than females. The frequency of spondylosis deformans and spondylarthrosis deformans increased with age. In comparison with other Early Mediaeval series there was a much higher prevalence of degenerative diseases in Mannheim-Seckenheim, although most instances were mild manifestations. No cases of Scheuermann's disease (defined as three adjacent vertebrae with wedging of 5° or more and anterior extensions) were identified in the studied sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Excavations at the late Hallstatt/early La Tène (6th–4th century BC) “princely seat” of the Glauberg (Hesse, Germany) revealed exceptionally furnished graves in monumental mounds, simple inhumations in associated ditches and non-normative burials of up to eight individuals in conical storage pits. The study presented here addresses bioarchaeological characteristics of these burials and their implications for social differentiation and the sphere of influence of the “princely seat”. It includes osteological, aDNA, and multi-isotope analyses of 27 human individuals and faunal remains. One of the outstandingly rich graves (tumulus 1/grave 1) contained the skeleton of a young man (the “prince”) who consumed a superior diet based on C3 plants that also included considerable amounts of animal protein. The oxygen isotope composition of his enamel is characteristic for the study area, while the strontium isotope data reflect connections beyond the near environs of the “princely seat” and a conceivable non-local origin. The individuals in the conical pits had numerous joint lesions, indicating a strenuous lifestyle. They lack evidence for maternal relationships and differ from the “prince” and other Iron Age burials due to substantial millet consumption and rather low shares of animal protein. Their heterogeneous strontium isotope ratios suggest connections to the western Wetterau area, where settlements may have formed the economic hinterland of the Glauberg hillfort. The results reflect both the role of the “princely seat” in the wider regional context and Early Iron Age social complexity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strontium isotope analysis on human remains from the Iron Age (4th/3rd century BC) cemeteries of Nebringen, Germany and Monte Bibele, Italy were carried out to investigate the role of residential changes during the period of the historic “Celtic migrations”. From an archaeological perspective, the location of the cemeteries in the Celtic core (Nebringen) and expansion area (Monte Bibele), and the distinctive development of their material culture, suggest that the buried populations had differing mobility rates. On the contrary, the strontium results indicate that only few individuals were mobile or non-local. There is, however, a difference in variation of strontium isotope ratios between the two studied cemeteries, presumably caused by differing geological conditions. In Nebringen changing use of cultivated land in a geologically heterogeneous environment most likely caused varying strontium isotope ratios even within the same jaw, while individual mobility over longer distances can also not be excluded. In Monte Bibele the range of strontium isotope ratios is narrow, and this may be explained by a community living in the same village and using the same agricultural resources. For various prehistoric time periods it has been suggested that some population groups were more mobile than others, for example because they had special social roles. In the two cemeteries studied here, males have slightly more often a non-local birthplace or moved during childhood. In contrast, females had isotope signatures which are more consistent with the local geological environment. Male mobility is, however, not correlated with burial as a warrior, and patrilocal residential patterns were not observed among females. Foreign and local items are found with isotopically local and non-local individuals and objects per se do not indicate descent. The motives for residential changes were, therefore, varied and not constrained to a specific area or population group. The presented dataset provides details on the way of life and land-use in the Celtic communities, for which information is otherwise absent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies of patterns of activity in human skeletal remains have grown in number over the last few years. Different methods have been used to reconstruct activity patterns in past populations. In this review of the available literature the common themes of these studies have been isolated in order to show that many studies do not truly conform to the standards of the field. Inadequate sample size, too far-reaching conclusions and neglect of other possible explanations are among the problems easily recognised in the literature. Many assumptions are lacking a sound experimental basis, and it becomes increasingly evident that there are many more problems and limits of interpretations than have been usually acknowledged in the recent past. It also appears that many results, which have been interpreted in terms of sexual division of labour may, in fact, be expressions of the intrinsic sexual dimorphism of Homo sapiens and not culture- or population-specific peculiarities. Acknowledging the results of many studies from the field of sports medicine it appears doubtful that adult patterns of activity can truly be isolated from those which stem from the formative years of the human skeleton during the subadult growth period. A more cautious approach to the interpretation of data and a return to more basic research are needed to adequately address all the possibly confounding issues when trying to reconstruct patterns of activity from archaeological skeletal remains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]