Results of the study of mummies and human remains from tomb K93.12 during the field season of aut... more Results of the study of mummies and human remains from tomb K93.12 during the field season of autumn 2012
The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the nor... more The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the northern Alps. Various local factors, such as the heterogeneous environment, complex historical events, and different mobility patterns, may have influenced the genetic makeup of early medieval alpine groups. However, no ancient genetic data from these groups are currently available. This study provides a first picture of the ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity of alpine groups from four locations in South Tyrol (Adige, Isarco, Venosta, and Merano). In total, 94 ancient mitogenomes of individuals (dated from 400 to 1100AD) were reconstructed by shotgun sequencing and a mtDNA capture approach. Moreover, stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) were analyzed in a subset of 32 individuals. The results indicate different mtDNA haplogroup distributions among the alpine locations and the presence of rare lineages besides a possible maternal relatedness between individuals buried in the sa...
Objective: To identify and interpret computed tomography (CT) findings of postmortem changes in a... more Objective: To identify and interpret computed tomography (CT) findings of postmortem changes in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Materials: Whole-body CT examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from German (n = 18), Italian (n = 1), and Swiss museums (n = 2). Methods: Conspicuous CT findings from prior evaluations with various research questions that were assessed as postmortem changes were classified, and special cases were illustrated and discussed. Results: Postmortem changes were classified into several categories. From these, individuals with evidence of invasion of resin/oil/tar into bone, dried fluid-levels within bone most likely due to natron, probable interaction of natron with soft tissues and bone, as well as insect infestation were demonstrated. Conclusions: One challenge of paleoradiology is to differentiate between intravital and postmortem changes, which can be multifarious. These changes can be obvious, but also subtle, and can mimic diseases. Significance: The provided classification of postmortem changes, as well as the demonstrated cases, may serve as models for further paleoradiological investigations. The dried intraosseous fluid levels in two mummies, most likely due to natron, suggests that these children were immersed in a liquid natron bath, in contrast to the current scientific view that natron for mummification was routinely applied in the solid form. Limitations: CT was used as the only examination method, as sampling of the mummies was not possible. Suggestions for further research: The awareness that postmortem changes on CT images of ancient Egyptian mummies might mimic pathology should be raised to reduce or avoid incorrect interpretation.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemias in ancient Egyptian child mumm... more The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Whole‐body computed tomography (CT) examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from European museums were evaluated for estimation of sex and age at death. CT examinations were systematically assessed for skeletal effects of anemias using a clinical radiological approach as well as quantitative measurements of the thickness of the cranial vault and diploe. Additionally, the technical feasibility to assess porotic hyperostosis on the available CT data was examined. Twelve children were assessed as male and seven as female, and in two, the sex was indeterminate. The estimated age at death ranged from about 1 year to 12–14 years. One case showed radiological signs of thalassemia (β‐thalassemia major) at the cranial vault and postcranial skeleton. Additionally, this case had a macroglossia that probably indicated Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Quantitative measurements confirmed a ...
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide today, but are not just a... more Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide today, but are not just a modern phenomenon. To explore the deep roots of CVDs in human history, this book, for the first time, brings together bioarchaeological evidence from different periods, as old as 5000 BC, and geographic locations from Alaska to Northern Africa. Experts in their fields showcase the powerful tool set available to bioarchaeology, which allows a more comprehensive reconstruction of the human past through evidence for disease. The tools include aDNA and histological analyses and digital imaging techniques for studying skeletal and mummified human remains. The insights gained from these studies are not only of value to historical research but also demonstrate how the science of archaeological human remains can provide the long view of the history of disease and contributes to modern biomedical research within the context of evolutionary medicine.
OBJECTIVE To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egyp... more OBJECTIVE To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egypt. MATERIALS Whole-body CT examinations of 23 mummies from the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin, Germany, and 22 mummies from the Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy. METHODS Ath was assessed in five anatomical regions by means of preserved arterial calcifications. OA was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence (1957) classification. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between Ath and total OA. A significant association was found for Ath and the upper limb group for OA grade >1 and for Ath and the lower limb group, consisting mainly of the hip and knee, for OA grade >2 OA. CONCLUSIONS The association of Ath and advanced OA of the hip and knee is comparable in prevalence to those reported in recent clinical studies, despite the low life expectancy and the different environment and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to correlate findings of Ath and OA in ancient Egypt statistically. The diseases of Ath and OA are common ailments with enormous and increasing impacts on public health. LIMITATIONS The large number of cardiovascular diseases was indicated only by arterial calcifications that resisted the post-mortem changes of the mummification process. Also, the assessed OA was on radiological OA. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Genomic studies of ancient Egyptian mummies may reveal genetic risk factors for Ath and OA that could be shared in ancient and modern populations.
ObjectivesThe Late Iron Age in continental Europe featured complex demographic processes includin... more ObjectivesThe Late Iron Age in continental Europe featured complex demographic processes including, among others, the establishment of transalpine “Celtic” communities on the Italian peninsula between the 4th and 1st centuries BCE. To date, only few data are available about mobility and migration in these populations. Here we explore these topics among the Cenomani of Seminario Vescovile (SV‐Verona, Italy, 3rd–1st c. BCE) through a multi‐isotopic approach and test the possible associations with sex, age and funerary treatment.Materials and methodsWe analyzed isotopic ratios of oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) from bone phosphate and collagen, respectively, of 49 individuals (23 males, 17 females, and 9 nonadults). In addition, we explored possible intraindividual lifetime changes by comparing collagen δ13C from bone and dentine of 26 individuals. We assessed nonlocality based on individual deviation of isotopic values from the population mean plus three times the median absolute devi...
OBJECTIVE To identify computed tomography (CT) findings of purulent infections in ancient Egyptia... more OBJECTIVE To identify computed tomography (CT) findings of purulent infections in ancient Egyptian child mummies. MATERIALS Whole-body CT examination of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from German (n = 18), Italian (n = 1), and Swiss museums (n = 2). METHODS CT examinations were evaluated for estimation of age at death and sex of the children. CT examinations were systematically assessed for any CT findings of purulent infection. RESULTS The estimated age at death of the children ranged from about one year to the age of 12-14 years (mean 4.8 years). Twelve children were assessed as male, seven as female and in two sex was indeterminate. Three out of 21 child mummies (14.3%) had radiological evidence of purulent infections. In one mummy, a bandage-like structure at the right lower leg was detected that most likely represented a dressing of a skin lesion. CONCLUSIONS This study appears to be the first to describe radiologically visualized structures consistent with dried pus in ancient Egyptian mummies. This study also appears to be the first to physically demonstrate an original ancient Egyptian dressing. SIGNIFICANCE These cases may serve as models for further paleopathological investigation. The evidence of an original dressing contributes to our knowledge of ancient Egyptian medicine. LIMITATIONS CT was used as the only examination method as sampling of the wrapped mummies was not possible. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Radiological-pathological correlation in mummies in which physical sampling is available may reveal further insights into purulent infections in ancient Egypt.
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 1970
On careful re-examination of the mummy a small irregularly shaped 3.7 cm long, deep, dark brown c... more On careful re-examination of the mummy a small irregularly shaped 3.7 cm long, deep, dark brown coloured stab wound was detected on Ötzi´s right hand extending from the palmar hand to the lateral back of the hand. Since it was unclear whether this wound had happened during lifetime or whether it was a postmortal artefact, we performed a histological analysis including histochemical staining for haemosiderin deposits (on Prussian blue stains). The fat tissue revealed cord-like inclusions of an amorphous, autofluorescing material with isolated focal haemosiderin pigment droplets in Prussian blue staining without intact erythrocytes. This amorphous material was then isolated by laser based microdissection, dissolved and tested for the presence of haemoglobin. A Guaiac-based test confirmed the presence of a blood clot. Our investigations indicate that the Iceman suffered from a vital stab wound of the right hand. Typical bleeding into the subcutaneous fat tissue and the initiation of tr...
Results of the study of mummies and human remains from tomb K93.12 during the field season of aut... more Results of the study of mummies and human remains from tomb K93.12 during the field season of autumn 2012
The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the nor... more The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the northern Alps. Various local factors, such as the heterogeneous environment, complex historical events, and different mobility patterns, may have influenced the genetic makeup of early medieval alpine groups. However, no ancient genetic data from these groups are currently available. This study provides a first picture of the ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity of alpine groups from four locations in South Tyrol (Adige, Isarco, Venosta, and Merano). In total, 94 ancient mitogenomes of individuals (dated from 400 to 1100AD) were reconstructed by shotgun sequencing and a mtDNA capture approach. Moreover, stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) were analyzed in a subset of 32 individuals. The results indicate different mtDNA haplogroup distributions among the alpine locations and the presence of rare lineages besides a possible maternal relatedness between individuals buried in the sa...
Objective: To identify and interpret computed tomography (CT) findings of postmortem changes in a... more Objective: To identify and interpret computed tomography (CT) findings of postmortem changes in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Materials: Whole-body CT examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from German (n = 18), Italian (n = 1), and Swiss museums (n = 2). Methods: Conspicuous CT findings from prior evaluations with various research questions that were assessed as postmortem changes were classified, and special cases were illustrated and discussed. Results: Postmortem changes were classified into several categories. From these, individuals with evidence of invasion of resin/oil/tar into bone, dried fluid-levels within bone most likely due to natron, probable interaction of natron with soft tissues and bone, as well as insect infestation were demonstrated. Conclusions: One challenge of paleoradiology is to differentiate between intravital and postmortem changes, which can be multifarious. These changes can be obvious, but also subtle, and can mimic diseases. Significance: The provided classification of postmortem changes, as well as the demonstrated cases, may serve as models for further paleoradiological investigations. The dried intraosseous fluid levels in two mummies, most likely due to natron, suggests that these children were immersed in a liquid natron bath, in contrast to the current scientific view that natron for mummification was routinely applied in the solid form. Limitations: CT was used as the only examination method, as sampling of the mummies was not possible. Suggestions for further research: The awareness that postmortem changes on CT images of ancient Egyptian mummies might mimic pathology should be raised to reduce or avoid incorrect interpretation.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemias in ancient Egyptian child mumm... more The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Whole‐body computed tomography (CT) examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from European museums were evaluated for estimation of sex and age at death. CT examinations were systematically assessed for skeletal effects of anemias using a clinical radiological approach as well as quantitative measurements of the thickness of the cranial vault and diploe. Additionally, the technical feasibility to assess porotic hyperostosis on the available CT data was examined. Twelve children were assessed as male and seven as female, and in two, the sex was indeterminate. The estimated age at death ranged from about 1 year to 12–14 years. One case showed radiological signs of thalassemia (β‐thalassemia major) at the cranial vault and postcranial skeleton. Additionally, this case had a macroglossia that probably indicated Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Quantitative measurements confirmed a ...
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide today, but are not just a... more Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide today, but are not just a modern phenomenon. To explore the deep roots of CVDs in human history, this book, for the first time, brings together bioarchaeological evidence from different periods, as old as 5000 BC, and geographic locations from Alaska to Northern Africa. Experts in their fields showcase the powerful tool set available to bioarchaeology, which allows a more comprehensive reconstruction of the human past through evidence for disease. The tools include aDNA and histological analyses and digital imaging techniques for studying skeletal and mummified human remains. The insights gained from these studies are not only of value to historical research but also demonstrate how the science of archaeological human remains can provide the long view of the history of disease and contributes to modern biomedical research within the context of evolutionary medicine.
OBJECTIVE To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egyp... more OBJECTIVE To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egypt. MATERIALS Whole-body CT examinations of 23 mummies from the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin, Germany, and 22 mummies from the Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy. METHODS Ath was assessed in five anatomical regions by means of preserved arterial calcifications. OA was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence (1957) classification. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between Ath and total OA. A significant association was found for Ath and the upper limb group for OA grade >1 and for Ath and the lower limb group, consisting mainly of the hip and knee, for OA grade >2 OA. CONCLUSIONS The association of Ath and advanced OA of the hip and knee is comparable in prevalence to those reported in recent clinical studies, despite the low life expectancy and the different environment and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to correlate findings of Ath and OA in ancient Egypt statistically. The diseases of Ath and OA are common ailments with enormous and increasing impacts on public health. LIMITATIONS The large number of cardiovascular diseases was indicated only by arterial calcifications that resisted the post-mortem changes of the mummification process. Also, the assessed OA was on radiological OA. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Genomic studies of ancient Egyptian mummies may reveal genetic risk factors for Ath and OA that could be shared in ancient and modern populations.
ObjectivesThe Late Iron Age in continental Europe featured complex demographic processes includin... more ObjectivesThe Late Iron Age in continental Europe featured complex demographic processes including, among others, the establishment of transalpine “Celtic” communities on the Italian peninsula between the 4th and 1st centuries BCE. To date, only few data are available about mobility and migration in these populations. Here we explore these topics among the Cenomani of Seminario Vescovile (SV‐Verona, Italy, 3rd–1st c. BCE) through a multi‐isotopic approach and test the possible associations with sex, age and funerary treatment.Materials and methodsWe analyzed isotopic ratios of oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) from bone phosphate and collagen, respectively, of 49 individuals (23 males, 17 females, and 9 nonadults). In addition, we explored possible intraindividual lifetime changes by comparing collagen δ13C from bone and dentine of 26 individuals. We assessed nonlocality based on individual deviation of isotopic values from the population mean plus three times the median absolute devi...
OBJECTIVE To identify computed tomography (CT) findings of purulent infections in ancient Egyptia... more OBJECTIVE To identify computed tomography (CT) findings of purulent infections in ancient Egyptian child mummies. MATERIALS Whole-body CT examination of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from German (n = 18), Italian (n = 1), and Swiss museums (n = 2). METHODS CT examinations were evaluated for estimation of age at death and sex of the children. CT examinations were systematically assessed for any CT findings of purulent infection. RESULTS The estimated age at death of the children ranged from about one year to the age of 12-14 years (mean 4.8 years). Twelve children were assessed as male, seven as female and in two sex was indeterminate. Three out of 21 child mummies (14.3%) had radiological evidence of purulent infections. In one mummy, a bandage-like structure at the right lower leg was detected that most likely represented a dressing of a skin lesion. CONCLUSIONS This study appears to be the first to describe radiologically visualized structures consistent with dried pus in ancient Egyptian mummies. This study also appears to be the first to physically demonstrate an original ancient Egyptian dressing. SIGNIFICANCE These cases may serve as models for further paleopathological investigation. The evidence of an original dressing contributes to our knowledge of ancient Egyptian medicine. LIMITATIONS CT was used as the only examination method as sampling of the wrapped mummies was not possible. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Radiological-pathological correlation in mummies in which physical sampling is available may reveal further insights into purulent infections in ancient Egypt.
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 1970
On careful re-examination of the mummy a small irregularly shaped 3.7 cm long, deep, dark brown c... more On careful re-examination of the mummy a small irregularly shaped 3.7 cm long, deep, dark brown coloured stab wound was detected on Ötzi´s right hand extending from the palmar hand to the lateral back of the hand. Since it was unclear whether this wound had happened during lifetime or whether it was a postmortal artefact, we performed a histological analysis including histochemical staining for haemosiderin deposits (on Prussian blue stains). The fat tissue revealed cord-like inclusions of an amorphous, autofluorescing material with isolated focal haemosiderin pigment droplets in Prussian blue staining without intact erythrocytes. This amorphous material was then isolated by laser based microdissection, dissolved and tested for the presence of haemoglobin. A Guaiac-based test confirmed the presence of a blood clot. Our investigations indicate that the Iceman suffered from a vital stab wound of the right hand. Typical bleeding into the subcutaneous fat tissue and the initiation of tr...
Researchers and participants in Glacial Archaeology studies are invited to submit proposals for
s... more Researchers and participants in Glacial Archaeology studies are invited to submit proposals for session topics, papers and posters to be presented at the 4th edition of the FROZEN PASTS conference.
The authors report on the assessment of an anthropogenic mummy of a young man from the Capuchin C... more The authors report on the assessment of an anthropogenic mummy of a young man from the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Sicily, tentatively dated from the mid-to late 19th century AD. The mummy was investigated by full-body CT examination. CT images clearly showed aortic dissection classified as Stanford-A. Due to the relation of aortic dissection to inherited connective tissue diseases in young people, such as Marfan syndrome, conspicuous and pathological findings possibly indicating the presence of underlying Marfan syndrome were assessed. Several systemic features were scored that supported the presence of underlying Marfan syndrome in this mummy. These findings were: pectus carinatum and chest asymmetry, dural ectasia, protrusio acetabuli, dolichocephaly, down-slanting palpebral fissures, malar hypoplasia and (probable) reduced elbow extension. Aortic dissection, a cardinal feature of Marfan syndrome, turned out to be the diagnostic key for the paleoradiological diagnosis of this disease. The demonstrated CT findings contribute to the spectrum of cardi-ovascular diseases and inherited connective tissue disease in the fields of paleopathology and paleoradiology.
Conference about two Egyptian Mummies and other Egyptian artefacts kept in the "Egyptian Corner" ... more Conference about two Egyptian Mummies and other Egyptian artefacts kept in the "Egyptian Corner" of the Archeaological Museum of the University of Pavia.
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