Paleopathological Conditions Presenting in a Collection of Juveniles from a Merovingian Site in Central Germany

Abstract

This thesis explores the pathological conditions that affected a juvenile skeletal population dating to the Merovingian ages in what is now central Germany. The goal of this research is to gain an understanding of the physical health of this sub-adult population through the use of physical anthropology and historical evidence. In 1960 the cemetery ofMannheim-Vogelstang was excavated, revealing 149 juvenile skeletons dating from the sixth to the eighth century CE. Of the 149 recovered from the site, 105 were used in this research. These individuals were thoroughly visually examined for any indication of nutritional, infectious or congenital conditions, as well as evidence of trauma. All individuals were closely examined and any abnormalities were noted. Signs of porotic hyperostosis, hypoplasia, abnormal bending/bowing, fractures, abnormal growth, caries and dental abscesses were all present in this population. Porotic hyperostosis (PH) was the most prevalent pathological condition found in this population. Signs of porotic hyperostosis were found in 21.49% of the individuals. Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) was the second most common condition found within this population, occurring in 11.21 % of the individual. Signs of PH and LEH are both indicators of metabolic distress. SD08, 600-620CE, revealed the largest number of individuals with signs of pathological conditions.