Between 2008 and 2012, archaeologists unearthed the remains of an ancient hospital in England. Among their findings were several skeletons, including that of a wealthy male from the 11th or 12th century who succumbed to leprosy between the ages of 18 and 25. But how can we be so sure about these details? Even after centuries, skeletons retain unique characteristics that can tell us a lot about the individuals they once belonged to. By using modern tools and techniques, researchers can interpret these features as clues. This fascinating field of study is known as biological anthropology, which helps researchers reconstruct details about ancient individuals and understand historical events that affected entire populations.
When researchers discover a skeleton, they begin by examining its morphology—the structure, appearance, and size of the bones—to gather initial clues such as age and gender. For instance, the clavicle, or collarbone, stops growing at around age 25. If a clavicle is not fully formed, it suggests the individual was younger than 25. Similarly, the plates in the cranium can continue to fuse until age 40 or even later. By combining these observations with microscopic skeletal clues, physical anthropologists can estimate the approximate age at death. The pelvic bones also provide insights into gender, as female pelvises are wider to facilitate childbirth, while male pelvises are narrower.
Bones can also reveal signs of ancient diseases. Conditions like anemia leave marks on bones, and the state of teeth can offer clues about diet and malnutrition, which may indicate wealth or poverty. A protein called collagen provides even more detailed information. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat leave permanent traces in our bones and teeth in the form of chemical compounds. These compounds contain measurable quantities known as isotopes. Stable isotopes in bone collagen and tooth enamel vary among mammals based on their environment and diet. By analyzing these isotopes, researchers can infer the diet and location of historical individuals.
Throughout life, bones undergo a continuous cycle of remodeling. If someone relocates, the bones formed after the move will reflect the isotopic signatures of the new environment. This means that skeletons can serve as migratory maps. For example, between 1-650 AD, the city of Teotihuacan in Mexico was a bustling metropolis. Researchers examined the isotope ratios in the tooth enamel of skeletons, revealing details about their childhood diets. They discovered significant migration into the city, with many individuals born elsewhere. Further geological and skeletal analysis may help trace the origins of these individuals.
The research conducted in Teotihuacan illustrates how bio-anthropologists study skeletons in cemeteries and mass graves, analyzing their similarities and differences. From this information, they can learn about cultural beliefs, social norms, wars, and causes of death. Today, these tools help answer important questions about how forces like migration and disease shape the modern world. In some cases, DNA analysis is possible on relatively well-preserved ancient remains, enhancing our understanding of how diseases like tuberculosis have evolved over time, which can aid in developing better treatments for contemporary populations.
Ancient skeletons can reveal a surprising amount about the past. So, if your remains are someday buried intact, what might archaeologists of the distant future learn from them?
Engage in a hands-on workshop where you will examine 3D-printed replicas of bones to determine age and gender. Use the morphological clues discussed in the article, such as the clavicle and pelvic bones, to make your assessments. Discuss your findings with peers to understand the diversity of interpretations.
Participate in a simulation exercise where you analyze mock data sets of isotopic signatures from bone collagen and tooth enamel. Use this data to infer the diet and migratory patterns of hypothetical ancient individuals. Present your conclusions in a short report, explaining the significance of isotopic analysis in biological anthropology.
Work in groups to research a specific ancient disease or dietary pattern identified through skeletal analysis. Create a case study presentation that outlines the methods used to detect these conditions in bones and the historical context of your findings. Share your presentation with the class to foster a broader understanding of ancient health and nutrition.
Engage in a debate on the ethical implications of studying human remains. Consider the cultural and historical contexts discussed in the article, and argue for or against the use of ancient skeletons in research. Reflect on how these studies contribute to our understanding of past and present societies.
Write a reflective essay imagining what future archaeologists might learn from your own skeleton. Consider the lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors that could leave traces in your bones. Discuss how this exercise helps you appreciate the insights gained from studying ancient remains.
Between 2008 and 2012, archaeologists excavated the remains of an ancient hospital in England. During this process, they uncovered several skeletons, one of which belonged to a wealthy male who lived in the 11th or 12th century and died of leprosy between the ages of 18 and 25. How do we know this? Even centuries after death, skeletons carry unique features that provide insights into their identities. Using modern tools and techniques, researchers can interpret these features as clues. This field of study is known as biological anthropology, which allows researchers to piece together details about ancient individuals and identify historical events that impacted entire populations.
When researchers discover a skeleton, some of the first clues they gather, such as age and gender, are found in its morphology—the structure, appearance, and size of the skeleton. For example, bones like the clavicle stop growing at age 25, so a clavicle that hasn’t fully formed indicates that the individual was younger than that. Similarly, the plates in the cranium can continue fusing up to age 40 and sometimes beyond. By combining these observations with microscopic skeletal clues, physical anthropologists can estimate the approximate age at death. Meanwhile, pelvic bones can reveal gender, as female pelvises are wider to accommodate childbirth, while male pelvises are narrower.
Bones can also show signs of ancient diseases. Conditions like anemia leave traces on the bones, and the state of teeth can provide clues about diet and malnutrition, which may correlate with wealth or poverty. A protein called collagen can offer even more detailed information. The air we breathe, water we drink, and food we consume leave permanent traces in our bones and teeth in the form of chemical compounds. These compounds contain measurable quantities called isotopes. Stable isotopes in bone collagen and tooth enamel vary among mammals depending on their environment and diet. By analyzing these isotopes, researchers can infer the diet and location of historical individuals.
Additionally, bones undergo a constant cycle of remodeling throughout life. If someone moves from one place to another, the bones formed after that move will reflect the isotopic signatures of the new environment. This means that skeletons can serve as migratory maps. For instance, between 1-650 AD, the city of Teotihuacan in Mexico was home to thousands of people. Researchers examined the isotope ratios in the tooth enamel of skeletons, which revealed details about their diets during childhood. They found evidence of significant migration into the city, with a majority of individuals born elsewhere. Further geological and skeletal analysis may help map the origins of these individuals.
The work in Teotihuacan exemplifies how bio-anthropologists study skeletons in cemeteries and mass graves, analyzing their similarities and differences. From this information, they can learn about cultural beliefs, social norms, wars, and causes of death. Today, these tools help answer significant questions about how forces like migration and disease shape the modern world. DNA analysis is also possible in some relatively well-preserved ancient remains, aiding our understanding of how diseases like tuberculosis have evolved over the centuries, which can help develop better treatments for contemporary populations.
Ancient skeletons can reveal a surprising amount about the past. So, if your remains are someday buried intact, what might archaeologists of the distant future learn from them?
Skeletons – The internal framework composed of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body of an organism. – The discovery of ancient human skeletons has provided valuable insights into the health and lifestyle of early civilizations.
Anthropology – The scientific study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. – Anthropology helps us understand the cultural and biological evolution of humans through the ages.
Diseases – Disorders or malfunctions in an organism that affect its normal functioning, often caused by pathogens, genetic factors, or environmental influences. – The study of ancient diseases through skeletal remains can reveal patterns of health and illness in historical populations.
Migration – The movement of people or animals from one region to another, often for reasons such as climate change, food availability, or social factors. – The migration patterns of early humans can be traced through genetic studies and archaeological evidence.
Isotopes – Variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, often used in scientific analysis to study biological and environmental processes. – Stable isotopes in bone collagen can provide information about the diet and migration patterns of ancient populations.
Collagen – A structural protein found in connective tissues, including skin, bones, and cartilage, that provides strength and elasticity. – The preservation of collagen in fossilized bones allows scientists to conduct isotopic analyses to infer dietary habits of extinct species.
Morphology – The study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features. – The morphology of primate skulls can offer insights into their evolutionary adaptations and ecological niches.
Diet – The types of food consumed by an organism, which can influence its health, growth, and development. – Analysis of dental wear patterns can help anthropologists reconstruct the diet of ancient human populations.
Bones – Rigid organs that form part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates, providing structure, protection, and support for the body. – The study of fossilized bones has been crucial in understanding the evolutionary history of vertebrates.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often reconstructed through archaeological and anthropological evidence. – The history of human evolution is pieced together through the analysis of artifacts, fossils, and genetic data.
