Life and death of two women from Brigantium (NW of Iberia) through stable isotopes and forensic anthropology
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- Aurora Grandal-d'Anglade+−
- Fernando Serrulla Rech+−
- Víctor Tomás Botella+−
- Marta Pérez Rama+−
- María Gómez+−
- Emilio Ramil González+−
Abstract
In this paper we obtain anthropological and isotopic data from the skeletal remains of two individuals of the late Roman age in order to rebuild their lives and causes of death. These are two female skeletons preserved in the Archaeological Museum of A Coruña dating from III to VI centuries AD. Forensic anthropology techniques have been applied to identify diseases and injuries that may have affected the individuals studied. For the palaeodiet study, extracted bone collagen was analysed by isotope ratios mass spectrometry. The 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratios are compared with data from other contemporary populations. Anthropological profiles confirm that these are two young adult females of Caucasian ancestry, with signs of chronic malnutrition and infection. Their isotopic signature shows a significant contribution of molluscs in their diet. These results are consistent with the available archaeological data, reflecting the progressive impoverishment of the city during the crisis of the Lower Empire.
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