Leopoli-Cencelle (9th–15th centuries CE), a centre of Papal foundation: bioarchaeological analysis of the skeletal remains of its inhabitants. (17th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldoni, Marica; Stasolla, Francesca Romana; Scano, Giuseppina; Marsella, Luigi Tonino; Rickards, Olga; Martínez-Labarga, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Annals of human biology. Volume 47:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 522
• Page End: 540
• Publication Date: 2020-08-17
• Subjects: Middle ages -- osteoarchaeology -- Latium -- paleodemographic pattern -- musculoskeletal stress markers; Human biology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1808064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4460

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The medieval city of Leopoli-Cencelle (9th–15th centuries CE) represents an exceptional study-model for extending our knowledge of the Italian Medieval period due not only to the large sample size available but also to the widespread presence of material data and a well preserved archaeological context. Aim: This research aims to reconstruct the osteobiography of the inhabitants of this centre of Papal foundation. Subjects and methods: The analysed sample counts 877 individuals. Scientifically established anthropological morphological methods were used for assessing their biological profile as well as for reconstructing lifestyle and health status. Results: The sample consists of 62.49% adults and 37.51% non-adults. The mortality pattern shows the highest peak prior to 1 year and between 1 and 6 years of age and a reduced longevity of female individuals as commonly observed in pre-antibiotic era populations. Metric and musculoskeletal stress markers revealed different biomechanical stress between sexes probably carrying out different working activities. The palaeopathological analysis supports a general good health status with the exception of a few specific cases. Conclusions: The present research helps shed light on the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Leopoli-Cencelle, enhancing a better understanding of the Italian Middle Ages.