Reconstructing the frequency of traumatic episodes in the Early Medieval population of San Lorenzo di Quingentole (Mantua, Italy)

Reconstructing the frequency of traumatic episodes in the Early Medieval population of San Lorenzo di Quingentole (Mantua, Italy) Giulia CASAGRANDE1, Ileana MICARELLI2, Giorgia Maria ANNOSCIA1, Giorgio MANZI3. 1 Department of Classics, Sapienza University of Rome, IT; 2 McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, UK; 3 Department of Environmental biology, Sapienza University of Rome, IT Investigating traumatic episodes proves to be a useful tool for evaluating the lifestyle of a population within the historical-geographical context, allowing for the reconstruction of cultural dynamics within a community. We analysed 83 individuals belonging to the adolescent portion (12-18 years old) and adult age group to estimate the prevalence of traumatic evidence in the community of S. Lorenzo di Quingentole, living between the 7th and 11th centuries. The osteological material was examined macroscopically, reconstructing the biological profile and evaluating the identity and the degree of the injury according to selected methodologies. Within the sample, only 5 individuals show signs attributable to traumatic episodes, mainly in the form of accidental fractures of the upper limbs (Colles fracture) and in traumatic signs on the left parietal bone. It appears highly probable that the population buried in the early medieval cemetery was mostly exposed to traumas of accidental nature or minor blunt force trauma. Episodes of interpersonal violence or warfare were unlikely scenarios for the community of Quingentole. This aspect is significant considering the many belligerent events that mark the Early Medieval period, especially in Northern Italy. The reconstruction of the lifestyle and health status of San Lorenzo sample allows for comparison and equivalence with similar contexts in the northern Italy area, which seem to share historical dynamics. However, the sites investigated for paleodemographic and palaeopathological purpose are still limited, so it is necessary to increase the study of comparable contexts. Biomolecular analyses will be performed to investigate paleodiet, mobility and ancestry.