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The author presents here the results of carbon (ẟ13C), oxygen (ẟ18O) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotope analysis of human tooth enamel, which has been used to identify potential migrants and shed light on the diet of the ancient population of El-Zuma during the post-Meroitic/Early Makuria period (c. AD 350–600). This publication is Chapter 7 in the monographic series titled 'Early Makuria Research Project. El-Zuma Cemetery', published by Brill.

Skeletal trauma in infants and young children is rarely observed in archaeological populations, particularly injuries that could be associated with a difficult birth or physical abuse. To differentiate such cases from accidental injuries, the type, location and distribution of skeletal trauma need to be considered, and modern clinical cases consulted for diagnosis. This presentation will discuss a case of suspected birth-related injury (a fractured left clavicle) observed in skeletal remains of an infant from a Late Meroitic (late 1st to 4th centuries AD) cemetery at Korti, in present-day Sudan. The skeletal remains of the infant (5-7 months old) were examined both macroscopically and radiographically for evidence of trauma. Based on that examination, it could be concluded that the injury sustained by the infant was likely birth-related.

The collapse of the once-powerful and prosperous Kushite Kingdom of Meroe (c. 300 BC u2013 AD 350) in present-day Sudan, remains unclear and open to speculation. The available historical and archaeological evidence points to several likely causes for the decline and eventual fall of the kingdom in the 4th century AD; the most frequently cited factors being political and economic instability, and social unrest. More recently, the environmental changes caused by overexploitation of the natural environment have been postulated as a contributing factor to the kingdomu2019s demise.In order to investigate the environmental changes as a causative factor for the collapse of the Meroitic kingdom, human remains from mortuary deposits from the central and southern regions of the Sudan were examined. Stable isotope analysis of carbon and oxygen was applied to obtain information on the environmental conditions and dietary regimes of people during the Meroitic (c. 300 BC u2013 AD 350) and Post-Meroitic Period (AD 350 u2013 600). The results of this research will add depth to our understanding of the causative factors behind the collapse of the Meroitic kingdom, and human-environment relationship in the past.

The article presents findings of the macroscopic examination of human remains recovered from Late Meroitic cemeteries at Mansourkotti, Korti, ad Ousli East, Sudan., {"references":["Kozieradzka-Ogunmakin, I. (2020). Human Remains from Mansourkotti, Korti and Ousli East, Sudan, 2014–2018. Bioarchaeology of the Near East 14: 123-144."]}

This paper presents new excavation data and new radiometric dates for Jebel Moya, south-central Sudan. These data suggest revisions to previous chronological understandings of the site. New excavations, initiated in 2017, show a longer, more continuous occupation of the site than has been previously recognised. Archaeozoological and archaeobotanical analyses provide evidence for domesticated taxa. Archaeobotanical evidence is dominated by domesticated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), radiocarbon dated to c. 2550–2210 BC. Faunal remains include cattle and goat/sheep. A late third-millennium BC date on the human skeleton excavated in the 2017 season also shows that mortuary activity began early in the site’s history, contemporary with domesticated faunal and botanical remains. These initial results indicate the long-term association of the site with pastoralism and agriculture and with environmental change. Jebel Moya’s continued potential to serve as a chronological and cultural reference point for future studies in south-central Sudan and the eastern Sahel is reinforced.

This paper presents new excavation data and new radiometric dates for Jebel Moya, south-central Sudan. These data suggest revisions to previous chronological understandings of the site. New excavations, initiated in 2017, show a longer, more continuous occupation of the site than has been previously recognised. Archaeozoological and archaeobotanical analyses provide evidence for domesticated taxa. Archaeobotanical evidence is dominated by domesticated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), radiocarbon dated to c. 2550–2210 BC. Faunal remains include cattle and goat/sheep. A late third-millennium BC date on the human skeleton excavated in the 2017 season also shows that mortuary activity began early in the site’s history, contemporary with domesticated faunal and botanical remains. These initial results indicate the long-term association of the site with pastoralism and agriculture and with environmental change. Jebel Moya’s continued potential to serve as a chronological and cultural reference point for future studies in south-central Sudan and the eastern Sahel is reinforced.