engleski

Bioarchaeological analysis of the 15th–17th century population from Zrin, continental Croatia

The fortress of Zrin is one of the most important and well-known fortifications from the Late Medieval/Early Modern periods in Croatia. However, we have very scant information on the mortality, health, diet, and lifestyle of the people inhabiting the village of Zrin during this period. Recent archaeological excavations conducted around the church of the Discovery of the Holy Cross in Zrin provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about various aspects of the life and death of these people through the analysis of skeletal and dental remains. Archaeological context and direct radiocarbon dates place the recovered burials between the 15th and 17th centuries CE. The analysis of 32 skeletons revealed the presence of eight subadults and 24 adults. Palaeodontological and isotopic data indicate a mixed protein-carbohydrate diet with heavy emphasis on C4-type plants such as millet. The presence of various skeletal indicators of intense physical activity strongly suggests hard labour while performing every-day chores in and around the house. Physiological stress, especially during childhood, was widespread and frequent – it was probably the consequence of the synergistic effect of inadequate diet, metabolic and infectious diseases. Most of the observed injuries were a result of accidents associated with rural lifestyle rather than intentional violence. The studied assemblage is small and fragmented, and therefore, all results and hypotheses based on these results have to be taken with caution.

skeletal remains ; Late Medieval Period ; Early Modern Period ; continental Croatia ; demography ; average height ; diet ; isotopic studies ; physiological stress ; injuries

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