Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pres... more Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pressures on the human genome, and resistance alleles provide biomolecular footprints that outline the historical reach of these species1. Nevertheless, debate persists over when and how malaria parasites emerged as human pathogens and spread around the globe1,2. To address these questions, we generated high-coverage ancient mitochondrial and nuclear genome-wide data from P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae from 16 countries spanning around 5,500 years of human history. We identified P. vivax and P. falciparum across geographically disparate regions of Eurasia from as early as the fourth and first millennia bce, respectively; for P. vivax, this evidence pre-dates textual references by several millennia3. Genomic analysis supports distinct disease histories for P. falciparum and P. vivax in the Americas: similarities between now-eliminated European and peri-contact South American strains indicate that European colonizers were the source of American P. vivax, whereas the trans-Atlantic slave trade probably introduced P. falciparum into the Americas. Our data underscore the role of cross-cultural contacts in the dissemination of malaria, laying the biomolecular foundation for future palaeo-epidemiological research into the impact of Plasmodium parasites on human history. Finally, our unexpected discovery of P. falciparum in the high-altitude Himalayas provides a rare case study in which individual mobility can be inferred from infection status, adding to our knowledge of cross-cultural connectivity in the region nearly three millennia ago.
Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pres... more Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pressures on the human genome, and resistance alleles provide biomolecular footprints that outline the historical reach of these species. Nevertheless, debate persists over when and how malaria parasites emerged as human pathogens and spread around the globe. To address these questions, we generated high-coverage ancient mitochondrial and nuclear genome-wide data from P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae from 16 countries spanning around 5,500 years of human history. We identified P. vivax and P. falciparum across geographically disparate regions of Eurasia from as early as the fourth and first millennia bce, respectively; for P. vivax, this evidence pre-dates textual references by several millennia. Genomic analysis supports distinct disease histories for P. falciparum and P. vivax in the Americas: similarities between now-eliminated European and peri-contact South American strains indicate that European colonizers were the source of American P. vivax, whereas the transAtlantic slave trade probably introduced P. falciparum into the Americas. Our data underscore the role of cross-cultural contacts in the dissemination of malaria, laying the biomolecular foundation for future palaeo-epidemiological research into the impact of Plasmodium parasites on human history. Finally, our unexpected discovery of P. falciparum in the high-altitude Himalayas provides a rare case study in which individual mobility can be inferred from infection status, adding to our knowledge of cross-cultural connectivity in the region nearly three millennia ago.
The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were the first to spread farming across large p... more The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were the first to spread farming across large parts of central Europe, settling fertile regions from Ukraine to France during the second half of the 6th millennium BCE. The LBK had a high degree of material culture uniformity, albeit with regional differences in settlement patterns, subsistence, and mortuary practices. To date, ancient DNA data from LBK individuals have been generated for a limited number of locations and often in small sample sizes, making it challenging to study variation within and across sites. We report genome-wide data for 178 LBK individuals, from the Alföld Linearbankeramik Culture (ALPC) eastern LBK site of Polgár-Ferenci-hát in Hungary, the western LBK site of Nitra in Slovakia, and the enclosed western LBK settlement and massacre site of Schletz in Austria, as well as 42 LBK individuals from 18 other sites. We also report genome-wide data for 28 Early Neolithic Körös and Starčevo individuals from 13 sites,...
Anthropological examination of the burials recovered at Gobelsburg, Lower Austria, revealed a tot... more Anthropological examination of the burials recovered at Gobelsburg, Lower Austria, revealed a total of seven individuals: three males, one female and three subadults. Palaeopathological investigations have shown features of periodontal disease and deficiencies of vitamin-C and iron; the latter is indicated by new bone formations (periostitis) on the long bones as well as porotic changes on the cranial vault (porotic hyperostosis). Occupation-induced musculo- skeletal stress markers (enthesopathies) are indicative of heavy physical work; the formation of a “rider’s bone” at the proximal femur points to a particular continuous activity (horseback riding). Moreover, a single traumatic incident, a supination fracture suffered by the male recovered from grave 4, implies a further particular life-historical event. Based on rarely observed (genetically fixed) features of the upper incisors and other epigenetic skeletal traits, a familial relationship between the three males and the subadul...
The early Neolithic fortified settlement of Schletz, Lower Austria is emerging as one of the most... more The early Neolithic fortified settlement of Schletz, Lower Austria is emerging as one of the most interesting sites of Linear Pottery culture excavation in Austria. In the course of systematic investigations carried out since 1983, a plethora of unexpected results have been obtained. Specifically, the human skeletal remains of 67 individuals have been found at the base of an oval trench system. Without exception, these remains are characterized by multiple traumatic lesions as well as carnivore gnaw marks. Demographic analysis presents the picture of the entire population of this early farming settlement having been extinguished. Further, the findings suggest that a genocide scenario may have been responsible for the final demise of this settlement. The age and sex distribution reveals a lack of young females, who are interpreted as having been abducted by aggressors. There is however no direct skeletal evidence of aggressors at the site; in fact, the uniformity of Strontium isotope...
In recent decades, an increasing number of studies have aimed to shed light on the origin and spr... more In recent decades, an increasing number of studies have aimed to shed light on the origin and spread of tuberculosis in past human populations. Here we present the results of a systematic palaeodemographic and palaeopathological survey of the Early Mediaeval population of Gars/Thunau (Lower Austria), which - at this stage - includes 373 individuals recovered at two archaeological sub-sites: a fortified settlement (including a necropolis) at the top of a hill - probably reserved for social and military elites; and a large riverine settlement at the foot of the hill, a so-called 'suburbium', where burials and an area of 'industrial' character were discovered. We recorded a great number of pathological alterations and a variety of 'classical' features of tuberculosis, such as vertebral destructions (Pott's disease) and joint destructions, and other pathological (unspecific) features probably linked with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (e.g. new bone formation at the inner surface of the ribs, endocranial alterations in the form of 'pits', and new bone formation at the cranial base). We hypothesize that the two contemporaneous (∼900-1000 AD) populations of Gars/Thunau differed not only in their social affiliation/condition, but also in the type and frequencies of their population-density-related infectious diseases (in particular tuberculosis). Moreover, we investigated the molecular genetic evidence of the causative organism in a few selected immatures exhibiting pathological changes at the inner wall of the cranium and discuss these findings in regard to the macroscopic features observed. Finally, we analysed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of both populations and strontium isotope ratios of the hill-top inhabitants in order to reconstruct certain aspects of diet and mobility to test our hypothesis concerning the specific social…
... Brickley, M., Kozlowski, T., Steckel, RH, Larsen, CS, Walker, PL, Blondiaux, J., Grupe, G., J... more ... Brickley, M., Kozlowski, T., Steckel, RH, Larsen, CS, Walker, PL, Blondiaux, J., Grupe, G., Jankauskas, R., Maat, G., McGlynn, G., Papathanasiou, A ... White Rose Research Online is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at ...
Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pres... more Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pressures on the human genome, and resistance alleles provide biomolecular footprints that outline the historical reach of these species1. Nevertheless, debate persists over when and how malaria parasites emerged as human pathogens and spread around the globe1,2. To address these questions, we generated high-coverage ancient mitochondrial and nuclear genome-wide data from P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae from 16 countries spanning around 5,500 years of human history. We identified P. vivax and P. falciparum across geographically disparate regions of Eurasia from as early as the fourth and first millennia bce, respectively; for P. vivax, this evidence pre-dates textual references by several millennia3. Genomic analysis supports distinct disease histories for P. falciparum and P. vivax in the Americas: similarities between now-eliminated European and peri-contact South American strains indicate that European colonizers were the source of American P. vivax, whereas the trans-Atlantic slave trade probably introduced P. falciparum into the Americas. Our data underscore the role of cross-cultural contacts in the dissemination of malaria, laying the biomolecular foundation for future palaeo-epidemiological research into the impact of Plasmodium parasites on human history. Finally, our unexpected discovery of P. falciparum in the high-altitude Himalayas provides a rare case study in which individual mobility can be inferred from infection status, adding to our knowledge of cross-cultural connectivity in the region nearly three millennia ago.
Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pres... more Malaria-causing protozoa of the genus Plasmodium have exerted one of the strongest selective pressures on the human genome, and resistance alleles provide biomolecular footprints that outline the historical reach of these species. Nevertheless, debate persists over when and how malaria parasites emerged as human pathogens and spread around the globe. To address these questions, we generated high-coverage ancient mitochondrial and nuclear genome-wide data from P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae from 16 countries spanning around 5,500 years of human history. We identified P. vivax and P. falciparum across geographically disparate regions of Eurasia from as early as the fourth and first millennia bce, respectively; for P. vivax, this evidence pre-dates textual references by several millennia. Genomic analysis supports distinct disease histories for P. falciparum and P. vivax in the Americas: similarities between now-eliminated European and peri-contact South American strains indicate that European colonizers were the source of American P. vivax, whereas the transAtlantic slave trade probably introduced P. falciparum into the Americas. Our data underscore the role of cross-cultural contacts in the dissemination of malaria, laying the biomolecular foundation for future palaeo-epidemiological research into the impact of Plasmodium parasites on human history. Finally, our unexpected discovery of P. falciparum in the high-altitude Himalayas provides a rare case study in which individual mobility can be inferred from infection status, adding to our knowledge of cross-cultural connectivity in the region nearly three millennia ago.
The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were the first to spread farming across large p... more The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic communities were the first to spread farming across large parts of central Europe, settling fertile regions from Ukraine to France during the second half of the 6th millennium BCE. The LBK had a high degree of material culture uniformity, albeit with regional differences in settlement patterns, subsistence, and mortuary practices. To date, ancient DNA data from LBK individuals have been generated for a limited number of locations and often in small sample sizes, making it challenging to study variation within and across sites. We report genome-wide data for 178 LBK individuals, from the Alföld Linearbankeramik Culture (ALPC) eastern LBK site of Polgár-Ferenci-hát in Hungary, the western LBK site of Nitra in Slovakia, and the enclosed western LBK settlement and massacre site of Schletz in Austria, as well as 42 LBK individuals from 18 other sites. We also report genome-wide data for 28 Early Neolithic Körös and Starčevo individuals from 13 sites,...
Anthropological examination of the burials recovered at Gobelsburg, Lower Austria, revealed a tot... more Anthropological examination of the burials recovered at Gobelsburg, Lower Austria, revealed a total of seven individuals: three males, one female and three subadults. Palaeopathological investigations have shown features of periodontal disease and deficiencies of vitamin-C and iron; the latter is indicated by new bone formations (periostitis) on the long bones as well as porotic changes on the cranial vault (porotic hyperostosis). Occupation-induced musculo- skeletal stress markers (enthesopathies) are indicative of heavy physical work; the formation of a “rider’s bone” at the proximal femur points to a particular continuous activity (horseback riding). Moreover, a single traumatic incident, a supination fracture suffered by the male recovered from grave 4, implies a further particular life-historical event. Based on rarely observed (genetically fixed) features of the upper incisors and other epigenetic skeletal traits, a familial relationship between the three males and the subadul...
The early Neolithic fortified settlement of Schletz, Lower Austria is emerging as one of the most... more The early Neolithic fortified settlement of Schletz, Lower Austria is emerging as one of the most interesting sites of Linear Pottery culture excavation in Austria. In the course of systematic investigations carried out since 1983, a plethora of unexpected results have been obtained. Specifically, the human skeletal remains of 67 individuals have been found at the base of an oval trench system. Without exception, these remains are characterized by multiple traumatic lesions as well as carnivore gnaw marks. Demographic analysis presents the picture of the entire population of this early farming settlement having been extinguished. Further, the findings suggest that a genocide scenario may have been responsible for the final demise of this settlement. The age and sex distribution reveals a lack of young females, who are interpreted as having been abducted by aggressors. There is however no direct skeletal evidence of aggressors at the site; in fact, the uniformity of Strontium isotope...
In recent decades, an increasing number of studies have aimed to shed light on the origin and spr... more In recent decades, an increasing number of studies have aimed to shed light on the origin and spread of tuberculosis in past human populations. Here we present the results of a systematic palaeodemographic and palaeopathological survey of the Early Mediaeval population of Gars/Thunau (Lower Austria), which - at this stage - includes 373 individuals recovered at two archaeological sub-sites: a fortified settlement (including a necropolis) at the top of a hill - probably reserved for social and military elites; and a large riverine settlement at the foot of the hill, a so-called 'suburbium', where burials and an area of 'industrial' character were discovered. We recorded a great number of pathological alterations and a variety of 'classical' features of tuberculosis, such as vertebral destructions (Pott's disease) and joint destructions, and other pathological (unspecific) features probably linked with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (e.g. new bone formation at the inner surface of the ribs, endocranial alterations in the form of 'pits', and new bone formation at the cranial base). We hypothesize that the two contemporaneous (∼900-1000 AD) populations of Gars/Thunau differed not only in their social affiliation/condition, but also in the type and frequencies of their population-density-related infectious diseases (in particular tuberculosis). Moreover, we investigated the molecular genetic evidence of the causative organism in a few selected immatures exhibiting pathological changes at the inner wall of the cranium and discuss these findings in regard to the macroscopic features observed. Finally, we analysed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of both populations and strontium isotope ratios of the hill-top inhabitants in order to reconstruct certain aspects of diet and mobility to test our hypothesis concerning the specific social…
... Brickley, M., Kozlowski, T., Steckel, RH, Larsen, CS, Walker, PL, Blondiaux, J., Grupe, G., J... more ... Brickley, M., Kozlowski, T., Steckel, RH, Larsen, CS, Walker, PL, Blondiaux, J., Grupe, G., Jankauskas, R., Maat, G., McGlynn, G., Papathanasiou, A ... White Rose Research Online is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at ...
Beiträge zur Ur- und Frühgeschichte Mitteleuropas 88, 2019
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Key words: Celtic population, shoulder joints, hip joint, endocranial lesions
In an ongoing stu... more Key words: Celtic population, shoulder joints, hip joint, endocranial lesions
In an ongoing study 73 skeletal remains dating to the Latène period from 2 excavation sites (Oberndorf and Ossarn) located at the Traisen valley (Lower Austria) were investigated concerning pathological, traumatic and degenerative skeletal features to shed light on living conditions of the Celtic population in this area. Regarding the sex and age distributions and the observed pathologies both populations are very similar and typical for celtic populations in this region. Nevertheless, one young adult female skeleton from Oberndorf (grave 44/1) shows specific referable skeletal alterations, e.g., new bone formations on the endocranial surface of the skull, extensive destructions of the right and left shoulder joints - including a shortened right humerus - and the left hip joint and destructive lesions on body surfaces of some vertebrae. Macroscopic, histologic and radiographic inspections should help to clarify those skeletal alterations, which indicate late sequelae of a neonatal septic arthritis. However, differential diagnosis of the deformities including tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, congenital dysplasia or even a trauma should be discussed.
The Traisen valley, where cemetries and settlements from the neolithic period to modern times hav... more The Traisen valley, where cemetries and settlements from the neolithic period to modern times have been found, is one of the most important and best investigated archaeological regions in Eastern Austria. In this study Ossarn, Oberndorf and Pottenbrunn, three cemeteries of the La Tene period in this region, have been analyzed on pathological and traumatic skeletal features to shed light on the living conditions of these Celtic populations. With regard to stress markers during childhood, to chronic anemia, to chronic vitamin C deficiency and in particular to the evidence for trauma the frequencies of of enamel hypoplasia, of periostitis, of stomatitis, of cribra orbitalia, of porotic hyperostosis and of healed and unhealed fractures were analysed in 31 human skeletal remains of Pottenbrunn, 26 of Ossarn and 56 of Oberndorf . All these pathological and traumatic changes could be the reasons for possible changes in living conditions caused by e.g., insufficient diet or infectious diseases as well as intra- and intersocial differences. The main aim of the present study is to compare 3 contemporaneous populations, which lived in close proximity under similar climate, to identify living conditions, possible social differences and biological relations and furthermore to know more about Celtic identities.
Key words: Celtic population, shoulder joints, hip joint, endocranial lesions In an ongoing study... more Key words: Celtic population, shoulder joints, hip joint, endocranial lesions In an ongoing study 73 skeletal remains dating to the Latène period from 2 excavation sites (Oberndorf and Ossarn) located at the Traisen valley (Lower Austria) were investigated concerning pathological, traumatic and degenerative skeletal features to shed light on living conditions of the Celtic population in this area. Regarding the sex and age distributions and the observed pathologies both populations are very similar and typical for celtic populations in this region. Nevertheless, one young adult female skeleton from Oberndorf (grave 44/1) shows specific referable skeletal alterations, e.g., new bone formations on the endocranial surface of the skull, extensive destructions of the right and left shoulder joints - including a shortened right humerus - and the left hip joint and destructive lesions on body surfaces of some vertebrae. Macroscopic, histologic and radiographic inspections should help to clarify those skeletal alterations, which indicate late sequelae of a neonatal septic arthritis. However, differential diagnosis of the deformities including tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, congenital dysplasia or even a trauma should be discussed.
The Oberndorf site is located in the Traisen Valley, Lower Austria on the left bank of the Traise... more The Oberndorf site is located in the Traisen Valley, Lower Austria on the left bank of the Traisen. The Iron Age cemetery was excavated in 1982/83 and 2004. The grave mentioned is oriented SSO-NNW. In the south of the elongated pit there is an area with burnt human bones (adult individual). Iron grave goods are also located in the south, a clay bowl in the north. The iron belt hook with boxshaped fittings is decorated with several friezes containing engraved patterns. There is a movable ring in the centre, and a disc with a hook at the back. The artefact dates to LT A. Frieze 1: simple zigzag band, spaces in between filled with tremolo stitch. Comparisons on a clay vessel from Suippes or a belt hook from Glauberg, grave 1. Frieze 2: "filled spiral", followed by a ring driven out concentrically around a hole, the remains of a spiral to the right. Frieze 3: simple hooked meander. Comparisons e.g., on a scabbard in Hallstatt 994 or on the ceramic bottles in Mannersdorf 127 and Sopron-Krautacker. Frieze 4: intersecting wave bands. Comparisons on a scabbard at Sanzeno, on the belt plate from Vače or the jug from Basse-Yutz. Frieze 5: intersecting zigzag bands or "angular meander". Simple variants are found, e.g., on the jug from Basse-Yutz, the more complex variant as a meander on a silver ring at Târgu Mureş. The belt hook from Oberndorf shows that the artisans in the Latène Traisen valley had a great knowledge of the late Hallstatt/early La Tène motif corpus.
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In an ongoing study 73 skeletal remains dating to the Latène period from 2 excavation sites (Oberndorf and Ossarn) located at the Traisen valley (Lower Austria) were investigated concerning pathological, traumatic and degenerative skeletal features to shed light on living conditions of the Celtic population in this area.
Regarding the sex and age distributions and the observed pathologies both populations are very similar and typical for celtic populations in this region. Nevertheless, one young adult female skeleton from Oberndorf (grave 44/1) shows specific referable skeletal alterations, e.g., new bone formations on the endocranial surface of the skull, extensive destructions of the right and left shoulder joints - including a shortened right humerus - and the left hip joint and destructive lesions on body surfaces of some vertebrae.
Macroscopic, histologic and radiographic inspections should help to clarify those skeletal alterations, which indicate late sequelae of a neonatal septic arthritis. However, differential diagnosis of the deformities including tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, congenital dysplasia or even a trauma should be discussed.