engleski

Different, yet similar: a multidisciplinary analysis of three individuals from the Great Migration Period from Osijek, eastern Croatia

The paper presents the results of the multidisciplinary analysis of the remains belonging to the three individuals dated to the Great Migration Period (5th c. CE) from Osijek in eastern Croatia. Based on the archaeological context, radiocarbon dates and ancient DNA analysis it is possible that the studied individuals were of Asian, possibly Hunnish origin. The partially preserved skeletons were deposited within a circular pit filled with animal bones and pottery fragments. The skeletal remains belonged to three adolescents between 12 and 16 years old, two of whom exhibited intentional artificial cranial deformation. A comprehensive bioarchaeological analysis and CT imaging suggest the use of two different types of artificial deformation: the circular erect and tabular oblique type. While this phenomenon has been observed in various ancient populations, its origins and purpose are still not fully understood. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis performed on two individuals with artificial cranial deformation showed high δ13C values (−17.0‰ and −15.5‰) and very similar δ15N values (9.5‰ and 9.9‰) suggesting a mixed terrestrial C3/C4 diet with a heavy reliance on resources such as millet. Ancient DNA analysis revealed that all individuals are males, as assessed by chromosome ratios. Individual SU 259 shows Asian ancestry on the PCA which is also supported by the estimated mitochondrial haplogroup F1b. The estimated mitochondrial haplogroups of the individuals SU 261 and 750 are H1 and H5, and they cluster around individuals from the Near/Middle East and the Caucasus. The results obtained by this study revealed new, previously unknown, information on lifestyle and biological characteristics of people inhabiting the Pannonian Basin during the 5th century.

early medieval period ; Croatia ; Osijek ; artificial cranial deformation

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