engleski

Re-evaluating “old” archaeological bones by using modern techniques: an example of a Middle Neolithic skeleton from Smilčić, Croatia

The human skeleton in question was excavated over 50 years ago at the Early/Middle Neolithic site at Smilčić - Barice, near Zadar in southern Croatia. After the excavation the skeleton was transported in one block to the Archaeological Museum in Zadar where it stayed almost forgotten for over half a century. We wanted to re-evaluate these “old” bones by using modern techniques, but also to show that even such “forgotten” cases can be scientifically valued to the fullest extent. The presented study consists of radiocarbon dating, preliminary bioarchaeological analysis, ancient DNA analysis as well as nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes analysis. The skeleton was directly dated to 5210-5026 cal BCE, i.e. to Danilo Middle Neolithic culture. The study showed that the skeleton belongs to a middle-aged male, around 40 years of age, who suffered from several pathological changes, most probably associated with advanced age (vertebral osteophytosis and Achilles tendon ossification). The individual was relatively robust with a height of about 165 cm. Archaeogenetic analysis confirmed that this is a male individual - his mitochondrial DNA belongs to haplogroup T2g2 while his Y-DNA belongs to haplogroup G2a2a. Stable isotopes analysis suggests that his diet was mostly based on C3 terrestrial products with a very low intake of animal proteins and/or sea fish. This study showed the importance of re- evaluation of “old” archaeological bones with modern techniques and the amount of new data we can gain by using such an approach.

Early Neolithic ; Croatia ; human skeleton

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