engleski

The study of human skeletal remains from the early-medieval graveyards in Dalmatia

Systematic anthropological analysis of the early medieval graveyards from southern Croatia includes 178 skeleton remains that were found within 136 graves. These graves, dated to the 9th century AC, were made from the stone blocks, rectangularshaped and oriented east-west. Old jewellery and parts of cheramics characteristic for this region of Croatia were found in the graves along with skeletons. Smallest of analysed graveyards, Svecurje has total of 10 graves with 14 individuals while largest, Ostrovica, has 105 graves containing 128 skeletal remains. Long bones, partially destroyed and skull bones were mostly preserved (total of 63 skulls were found). The age analyses of the skeletal remains revealed that the most of them were younger than 45 years (36.05, STDEV 11.20). Anthropological analyses determined gender on 59 male and 47 female skeletons. DNA analyses was performed on skeletons on which sex determination was unsuccesful. Among the poorly preserved maxilla and mandibula remains caries was the most common dental disease as well as visible tooth abrasion. Cribra orbitalia, which points to anaemia and malnutrition, is evident on several skulls. Long bones (femur, tibia and humerus) showed visible signs of periostitis and osteoarthritis. Schmorl's defects were visible on some vertebrates as a sign of degenerative changes.

anthropology; early medieval; Croatia; skeletal remains; DNA

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