- Hungarian National Museum
Laboratory for Conservation and Applied Research
1-3 Daroci ut
Budapest
Hungary
H-1113
- Durham University, Archaeology, Alumnusadd
- Archaeology, Paleopathology, Biological Anthropology, Osteoarchaeology, Archaeology of Childhood, Egyptian Archaeology, and 21 moreFunerary Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Human Osteology, Human Osteoarchaeology, Archaeology of children and childhood, Archaeology of children, Dental Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Funerary Belief (Egyptology), Osteology, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Mortuary archaeology, Musculoskeletal Stress Markers (MSM), Anthropology of Children and Childhood, Juvenile and Infant Osteology, Medieval Archaeology, Palaeopathology, Anthropology, Conflict Archaeology, and Commingled Remainsedit
Excavation and interpretation of multiple burials are a challenge for both archaeologists and anthropologists. In our work, we explore possible causes and formation processes of a multiple burial from the Copper Age recovered at... more
Excavation and interpretation of multiple burials are a challenge for both archaeologists and anthropologists. In our work, we explore possible causes and formation processes of a multiple burial from the Copper Age recovered at Balatonszentgyörgy-Kenderföldek in 2017. The burial represents commingled remains with the most likely number of 22 individuals. We performed a complete assessment of the taphonomic parameters and the funerary behavior, and study the human remains, including crossreferencing the anthropological data with the spatial and stratigraphic information. These data were compared with other contemporary sites to reveal differences and similarities regarding this special kind of human activity. The results of the anthropological and archaeological analysis gave information about the depositional processes of the human remains and the usage of the settlement pit which also implies the ritual nature of the burial.
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The Archaeological Heritage Directorate of the Hungarian National Museum conducted excavations in 2018 preceding the construction of motorway M30. The site of Szalaszend-Kis-és Nagyhegy in northeast Hungary is located south of a Bronze... more
The Archaeological Heritage Directorate of the Hungarian National Museum conducted excavations in 2018 preceding the construction of motorway M30. The site of Szalaszend-Kis-és Nagyhegy in northeast Hungary is located south of a Bronze Age earth mound. Only a few burials were brought to light from the 10th century, however, this assemblage revealed a fair amount of valuable archaeological and anthropological data. From an anthropological point of view, burial no. SNR407 was most significant, as these remains offered a glimpse into the lifestyle of this 10th-century population. The abnormal wear observed on the enamel of a front tooth of the male individual can be interpreted as a sign of a tooth-tool use, suggesting an activity when a hard object is held by the teeth during an activity that requires the use of both hands.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) was examined in different periods of the Carpathian Basin from 4900 BCE to 17th century AD. The study seeks to evaluate temporal changes in HFI and the possible impact of lifestyle on... more
The prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) was examined in different periods of the Carpathian Basin from 4900 BCE to 17th century AD. The study seeks to evaluate temporal changes in HFI and the possible impact of lifestyle on it. The studied material consisted of 4668 crania from Hungary and Serbia. The crania were analyzed employing macroscopic and endoscopic examination. In historic periods, sex and age played a pivotal role in HFI development. Among predominantly pastoralist populations of the 5th-8th and 10th centuries, prevalence of HFI was considerably higher than in the medieval populations of the 9th-17th centuries. In addition to age and sex, other factors could be implicated in HFI development. The physiological effects of the pastoralist lifestyle and diet on insulin regulation could explain the increased risk of developing HFI in the 5th-8th and 10th-century populations. The study provides the first comprehensive dataset of HFI from different archaeological periods from the Carpathian Basin. It has implications for lifestyle and risk of HFI development in past populations. The archaeological periods are not equally represented. In order to better understand the etiology of HFI, lifestyle factors can be used to elucidate the risk of developing HFI in ancient populations.
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Our research focused on an unusual case of two male skeletons, buried inside the church of Sóly, thrown into a pit together in a random position. The anthropological analysis found evidence for decapitation. Since the grave can be dated... more
Our research focused on an unusual case of two male skeletons, buried inside the church of Sóly, thrown into a pit together in a random position. The anthropological analysis found evidence for decapitation. Since the grave can be dated back to the time of Ottoman invasion of the Hungarian Kingdom (15th-17th centuries) we assumed that the origin of the individuals is different from that of the local population. Nevertheless, their skulls show similar characteristics to a population of settlers nearby. A stable isotope analysis has been conducted to explore the oxygen and strontium isotope ratios of the two individuals. Their oxygen ratios seem to prove our assumptions that their place of origin was different from that of the local population. Our case presents the first isotopic evidence for different ethnic origin in this area regarding this era of Hungarian history.
Investigation of a non-adult population from a medieval cemetery in Hungary has been accomplished in order to study the effects of stress indicators on growth. Since the cemetery had two phases, the skeletal material was suitable for... more
Investigation of a non-adult population from a medieval cemetery in Hungary has been accomplished in order to study the effects of stress indicators on growth. Since the cemetery had two phases, the skeletal material was suitable for comparing groups of individuals with the same genetic background. Pathological analysis involved 75 skeletons under the age of 14.5, based on three stress indicators (porotic hyperostosis, subperiosteal new bone formation, and endocranial lesions) – the interaction of these markers, as well as the effect of nutrition and infection on growth was investigated. Results showed high prevalence of porotic hyperostosis in the orbits and medium prevalence of periosteal reactions and endocranial lesions. There was no significant relationship between the pathological lesions. In younger individuals endocranial lesions were more frequent than periosteal reactions. The difference in their distribution indicates that endocranial lesions more frequently manifested on...
Anthropological research was started in 2011 on the bone material from the excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of el-Khokha Hill in Qurna. The analysis also involved the sample from the sloping... more
Anthropological research was started in 2011 on the bone material from the
excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of
el-Khokha Hill in Qurna. The analysis also involved the sample from the
sloping passage of Tomb (Kampp) -43- (New Kingdom, Ramesside Period)
which, similarly to the other tombs, consisted of commingled, disarticulated
human bone remains. A mummy of a 16-19 year-old female was found here,
also in secondary position. The applied mummification techniques preserve
the soft tissue of the body, therefore only bare bones were found in the disturbed
bandage. The long bones, especially of the right side, were severely thin and
atrophied, which suggested the disability of the individual. These changes
probably developed due to a neurogenic paralysis, which disorder could lead
to paralysis with a childhood onset.
excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of
el-Khokha Hill in Qurna. The analysis also involved the sample from the
sloping passage of Tomb (Kampp) -43- (New Kingdom, Ramesside Period)
which, similarly to the other tombs, consisted of commingled, disarticulated
human bone remains. A mummy of a 16-19 year-old female was found here,
also in secondary position. The applied mummification techniques preserve
the soft tissue of the body, therefore only bare bones were found in the disturbed
bandage. The long bones, especially of the right side, were severely thin and
atrophied, which suggested the disability of the individual. These changes
probably developed due to a neurogenic paralysis, which disorder could lead
to paralysis with a childhood onset.
Research Interests:
Anthropological investigations of the human bone material from the excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of el-Khoha Hill started in 2011 and continued in 2014. The analysis was completed on the... more
Anthropological investigations of the human bone material from the excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of el-Khoha Hill started in 2011 and continued in 2014. The analysis was completed on the commingled anthropological material of presumably secondary burials found without clear archaeological context but accompanied by scattered Third Intermediate Period and Late Period finds in the Tomb Saff-1. The human remains were sorted using morphological techniques, including the assessment of the minimum number of individuals (MNI), as well as standard techniques to estimate age, sex and stature. During the excavation, the finds of certain parts were separated according to the characteristically different architectural units and the anthropological analysis started following these smaller areas. The results show whether the separation is relevant in the case of the human remains, or the material is more mingled than expected, and if it is, in which areas. For the whole material, the estimated MNI was 72. The assemblage was not only analysed regarding the demographic profile but also the spatial distribution of skeletal and mummified remains were interpreted. These data combined with the analysis of fragmentation of skull elements, long bones and mummified remains helped to investigate the degree of damage due to looting and repeated use of the tomb. With this research it was intended to locate areas in the grave where the human remains are less affected by these factors providing insight into the formation processes of the assemblage.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In 2008, 11 graves of a Late Avar period (turn of the 7th–8th centuries – 811) cemetery were found in the outskirts of Baracs (in the area of the so called Szitányi parcel; Co. Fejér, Hungary). The present study discusses the skeleton of... more
In 2008, 11 graves of a Late Avar period (turn of the 7th–8th centuries – 811) cemetery were found in the outskirts of Baracs (in the area of the so called Szitányi parcel; Co. Fejér, Hungary). The present study discusses the skeleton of a 7–9 year old child with signs of trepanation, and argues for possible interpretations based on a detailed macroscopic description. As trepanations performed on children occur very rarely in this period, the discussed example is relevant to both the geographical distribution of such practices as well as their possible methods. The anthropological evaluation and publication of similar small-scale cemeteries may thus be of further importance for general overviews on the period.
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"Children as a social group provide us with the most immediate information regarding the customs of childrearing among historical populations. Furthermore, children with a higher need for nutrition and vitamins and with weaker immune... more
"Children as a social group provide us with the most immediate information regarding the customs of childrearing among historical populations. Furthermore, children with a higher need for nutrition and vitamins and with weaker immune systems are the most susceptible to changes originating from environmental or even social transformations. These factors may surface as stress actors and through these the effects involving the whole of the population and the condition of the population at the same time can indirectly be displayed. In the following, based on the comparison of the growth of two Árpádian Age and two Late Medieval childhood populations, we will analyse what factors may have influenced the development of children within each periods.
By evaluating the results we will attempt to reconstruct the living circumstances of the populations living in the Carpathian Basin in various ages and geographical regions."
By evaluating the results we will attempt to reconstruct the living circumstances of the populations living in the Carpathian Basin in various ages and geographical regions."
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The team of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission of Egypt led by Zoltán Fábián Imre working in the Theban necropolis has been researching the upper section of the southern slope of el-Khokha hillock in Qurna since 1995. The excavation... more
The team of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission of Egypt led by Zoltán Fábián Imre working in the Theban necropolis has been researching the upper section of the southern slope of el-Khokha hillock in Qurna since 1995. The excavation area comprises several mainly ruined tombs carved in the rock and other funerary sites which were constructed inside or between the ornate tombs. In the excavation season of 2004, commingled and disarticulated human bones had been found on the ground surface at the area of a funeral superstructure (TT 184/241). One individual could be identified from the skeletal material by the anthropological analysis due to the very special morphological characteristics of the bones. The skeleton was in a very poor condition because of the direct sunlight for a longer period and due to disturbance it was also incomplete. We could only find the bones of the pelvis, of the right leg and the left femur. These remains represent an approximately 40 year old female. The long bones were extremely shortened and the estimated stature was 130.6 cm. The joints were showing severe degenerative arthritic changes. Based on the altered morphology of the tarsals and metatarsals, the right foot was probably in an abnormal position during life. These pathological changes suggest a possible skeletal evidence of pituitary dwarfism from ancient Thebes.
Anthropological investigations of the human bone material from the excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of el-Khoha Hill was started in 2011 and continued in 2014. The analysis was completed on the... more
Anthropological investigations of the human bone material from the excavation of the Hungarian Archaeological Mission at the southern slope of el-Khoha Hill was started in 2011
and continued in 2014. The analysis was completed on the commingled anthropological material of presumably secondary burials found without clear archaeological context but accompanied by scattered Third Intermediate Period and Late Period finds in the Tomb Saff-1. The human remains were sorted using morphological techniques, including the
assessment of the minimum number of individuals (MNI), as well as standard techniques to estimate age, sex and stature. For the whole material, the estimated MNI was 82. During the
excavation, the finds of certain parts were separated according to the characteristically different architectural units and the anthropological analysis started following these smaller areas. The results show whether the separation is relevant in the case of the human remains, or the material is more mingled than expected, and if it is, in which areas. As for general pathological observations, there was a high occurrence of certain pathological alterations, while others were lacking – possibly a characteristic of the population in this area.
and continued in 2014. The analysis was completed on the commingled anthropological material of presumably secondary burials found without clear archaeological context but accompanied by scattered Third Intermediate Period and Late Period finds in the Tomb Saff-1. The human remains were sorted using morphological techniques, including the
assessment of the minimum number of individuals (MNI), as well as standard techniques to estimate age, sex and stature. For the whole material, the estimated MNI was 82. During the
excavation, the finds of certain parts were separated according to the characteristically different architectural units and the anthropological analysis started following these smaller areas. The results show whether the separation is relevant in the case of the human remains, or the material is more mingled than expected, and if it is, in which areas. As for general pathological observations, there was a high occurrence of certain pathological alterations, while others were lacking – possibly a characteristic of the population in this area.
Research Interests:
A medieval cemetery with around 4000 graves was excavated at Perkáta, in Western Hungary, by the National Heritage Protection Centre of the Hungarian National Museum from 2008 to 2010. Chronologically, the cemetery divides into two... more
A medieval cemetery with around 4000 graves was excavated at Perkáta, in Western Hungary, by the National Heritage Protection Centre of the Hungarian National Museum from
2008 to 2010. Chronologically, the cemetery divides into two phases: an early medieval row cemetery (i.e. Reihengrab) dated to the 10th to 12th centuries, and a late medieval (13th – 16th century) churchyard cemetery. So far, 1100 individuals were subject to anthropological analysis. The skeleton of a 30-39 year old female (No. 3601) from the early medieval row
cemetery showed several lytic lesions. The macroscopic analysis of the bones was done with CT scan examination. Pathological lesions occurred on the skull, on the clavicles, on the calcanei and on the femurs. The lesions are rounded, with well-defined edges; the
perforations of the bones affected all three layers of the bones resulting in the resorption of the cortex. The possible cause of these alterations is osteolytic metastasis of a malignant soft tissue tumor.
2008 to 2010. Chronologically, the cemetery divides into two phases: an early medieval row cemetery (i.e. Reihengrab) dated to the 10th to 12th centuries, and a late medieval (13th – 16th century) churchyard cemetery. So far, 1100 individuals were subject to anthropological analysis. The skeleton of a 30-39 year old female (No. 3601) from the early medieval row
cemetery showed several lytic lesions. The macroscopic analysis of the bones was done with CT scan examination. Pathological lesions occurred on the skull, on the clavicles, on the calcanei and on the femurs. The lesions are rounded, with well-defined edges; the
perforations of the bones affected all three layers of the bones resulting in the resorption of the cortex. The possible cause of these alterations is osteolytic metastasis of a malignant soft tissue tumor.
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Pathological changes can occur in the normal development during intrauterine life leading to congenital anomalies or malformations. The presented case is from Rusovce (Oroszvár, Slovakia). The cemetery is dated to the Bronze Age... more
Pathological changes can occur in the normal development during intrauterine life leading to congenital anomalies or malformations.
The presented case is from Rusovce (Oroszvár, Slovakia). The cemetery is dated to the Bronze Age (Gáta-Wieselburg culture) and the 11th-12th centuries. The dating of the skeletal material is not possibly because of lack of archaeological recording. The material is stored at the Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest.
The specimen (Figure 1) showing the alterations is a juvenile (no. 4358), well preserved, but only the postcranial skeleton was available for study because the skull is missing post mortem. The alterations are the following:.
The presented case is from Rusovce (Oroszvár, Slovakia). The cemetery is dated to the Bronze Age (Gáta-Wieselburg culture) and the 11th-12th centuries. The dating of the skeletal material is not possibly because of lack of archaeological recording. The material is stored at the Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest.
The specimen (Figure 1) showing the alterations is a juvenile (no. 4358), well preserved, but only the postcranial skeleton was available for study because the skull is missing post mortem. The alterations are the following:.
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The paper presents the osteological analysis of two maturus male skeletons, recovered during recent excavations at the Calvinist Church of Sóly, which was used as a burial site probably from as early as the 13th century. The analysis of... more
The paper presents the osteological analysis of two maturus male skeletons, recovered during recent excavations at the Calvinist Church of Sóly, which was used as a burial site probably from as early as the 13th century. The analysis of these two individuals, who were buried under the church-floor, in one grave, sometime between the 15th and 17th century, came into focus partly because of the unusual burial context, and also because of their unique pathological features.
The bodies were oriented west-east, contrary to the Christian customs, while other skeletons were all positioned accordingly, and were all non-adults except of one juvenile. Skeleton 12 lay supine, while Skeleton 11 was flexed, positioned on its left side and partly lay on the right side of Skeleton 12.
Injuries from bladed weapons were displayed by both skeletons, which are the main subject of this paper. The skulls, the mandibles, the upper cervical spine in both cases showed perimortem blade injuries. The cut marks concentrated mainly on the right posterior area of the bodies and resulted from more than one intentional blow in both cases. Evidence for previous trauma seems to reflect the life style of these individuals. Their health status is discussed with reference to dental analyses and a great deal of other pathology. Osteoarthritis and subperiosteal new bone formations were found on some long bones. Skeleton 12 also showed signs of DISH, while Skeleton 11 had developmental defects, such as spina bifida, and a non-metric variation, os acromiale of the scapular spine, which could also form as a result of biomechanical stress.
The bodies were oriented west-east, contrary to the Christian customs, while other skeletons were all positioned accordingly, and were all non-adults except of one juvenile. Skeleton 12 lay supine, while Skeleton 11 was flexed, positioned on its left side and partly lay on the right side of Skeleton 12.
Injuries from bladed weapons were displayed by both skeletons, which are the main subject of this paper. The skulls, the mandibles, the upper cervical spine in both cases showed perimortem blade injuries. The cut marks concentrated mainly on the right posterior area of the bodies and resulted from more than one intentional blow in both cases. Evidence for previous trauma seems to reflect the life style of these individuals. Their health status is discussed with reference to dental analyses and a great deal of other pathology. Osteoarthritis and subperiosteal new bone formations were found on some long bones. Skeleton 12 also showed signs of DISH, while Skeleton 11 had developmental defects, such as spina bifida, and a non-metric variation, os acromiale of the scapular spine, which could also form as a result of biomechanical stress.
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Artificial cranial deformation is evidenced in many historical populations in the Carpathian Basin from the 2nd, to the late 7th century. The anthropological investigation of a Gepidic cemetery at Tiszagyenda presented a significant... more
Artificial cranial deformation is evidenced in many historical populations in the Carpathian Basin from the 2nd, to the late 7th century. The anthropological investigation of a Gepidic cemetery at Tiszagyenda presented a significant amount of artificially deformed skulls (22 individuals), which were long and high due to flattening of the frontal and the occipital bones. With the expansion of the dimensions of the orbits, this flattened appearance was also detected on the craniofacial skulls. Additionally, some skulls showed discrete pathological alterations, like osteoarthritis in the temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ), changes on the endocranial surfaces and a non-metric variation (sutura metopica). In order to investigate further the frequency and nature of these characteristics as well as the age and sex distribution of individuals with intentional cranial modification, a comprehensive analysis of cemeteries with large number of graves of the German tribes in Hungary has been initiated, involving nearly 300 skeletons. This paper presents the findings of our study. The statistically confirmed significant or insignificant relationship between artificial cranial deformation and certain alterations on the skulls in these large samples could help the interpretation of such examples from smaller cemeteries.
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Our knowledge about childcare and childhood in the past is usually much less elaborate than our knowledge about adult people of past societies. Non-adults are often not treated separately from the adult population and their particular... more
Our knowledge about childcare and childhood in the past is usually much less elaborate than our knowledge about adult people of past societies. Non-adults are often not treated separately from the adult population and their particular pathological conditions are not interpreted in depth. However, changes of the environment or social and cultural factors influence different segments of the population in term of their biological requirements, thus with greater need, and with less developed immune system the children are usually at greater risk. The study of children is, therefore, critically important, to the health condition of a population and the influences of such changes .
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Our research focused on an unusual case of two male skeletons, buried inside the church of Sóly, thrown into a pit together in a random position. The anthropological analysis found evidence for decapitation. Since the grave can be dated... more
Our research focused on an unusual case of two male skeletons, buried inside the church of Sóly, thrown into a pit together in a random position. The anthropological analysis found evidence for decapitation. Since the grave can be dated back to the time of Ottoman invasion of the Hungarian Kingdom (15th-17th centuries) we assumed that the origin of the individuals is different from that of the local population. Nevertheless, their skulls show similar characteristics to a population of settlers nearby. A stable isotope analysis has been conducted to explore the oxygen and strontium isotope ratios of the two individuals. Their oxygen ratios seem to prove our assumptions that their place of origin was different from that of the local population. Our case presents the first isotopic evidence for different ethnic origin in this area regarding this era of Hungarian history.