Bioarchaeology of Medieval Vologda: Pathology and Adaptation Based on Anthropological Data from the Necropolis (2nd Half of the 15th – 1st Half of the 16th Centuries)

Abstract

Introduction. Skeletal assemblages from securely dated, closed archaeological contexts are an invaluable resource for bioarchaeological reconstructions of health and lifestyle in past populations. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive paleopathological analysis of the skeletal collection from the Vologda necropolis (second half of the 15th – first half of the 16th centuries).

Materials and Methods. The skeletal material originates from a necropolis excavated in 2022 at 12 Leningradskaya St., Vologda. The excavation area of 166 m² revealed 121 burials dating to the 2nd half of the 15th – 1st half of the 16th centuries. The paleopathological analysis of the adult sample (N=44) was performed using standard macroscopic and radiographic methods; Fisher's exact test was employed for inter-group frequency comparisons.

Results. Pronounced sex-related differences in the patterns of pathology were identified. The male sample exhibits a high prevalence of traumatic injuries (67.9%), with rib fractures being the most common type (42.9%). In the female sample, trauma prevalence is lower (33.3%) and lesions are confined to the distal limb elements. Among degenerative diseases, a notably high prevalence of Schmorl's nodes were found in the female sample (80.0%). A non-significant trend towards a higher prevalence of dental caries was observed in the female sample (55.6%) compared to the male sample (29.2%). Isolated cases of severe infectious and systemic diseases were also recorded in both groups.

Discussion. The trauma profile in males suggests a high level of involvement in interpersonal conflict. Patterns of degenerative changes in the spine suggest a sex-based division of labor. The high prevalence of Schmorl's nodes in females is a striking feature, as its etiology is complex and may relate not only to activity but also to constitutional and genetic factors. Conversely, males exhibit only a non-significant trend towards more pronounced arthrosis and spondylarthrosis, possibly related to physical stress.

Conclusion. The analysis of this well-contextualized skeletal assemblage from Vologda has enabled a detailed reconstruction of the health profile of an urban population during its emergence as a significant military and administrative center.

Acknowledgements. This study was carried out as part of the research project of the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, “The Ancient and Medieval Population of the European Part of Russia in the Context of Cultural Development and Genetic Dynamics” (State Registration No. 124050700063-0).

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