Hidden graves and commingled human remains. An anthropological examination of a roman chamber tome at Doliche, Turkey

Abstract

Focus of this study is on commingled human osseous remains discovered in a 3rd-6th C. AD Roman provincial hypogea in Doliche, Turkey. Examination of the structure indicates probable usage over a longer period of time with multiple phases of interment, exhumation, disturbances and possible removal of remains from the hypogeum as well as secondary burial within the structure. Osteological examinations show low rates of traumatic incidence, degenerative joint disease, a lack of stress markers including Cribra orbitalia and dental hypoplasias, as well as a total absence of dental caries. Heavy occlusal wear is a common observation on most dentitions indicating the possible consumption of abrasive foodstuffs. Gracile bone structure, reduced pronouncement of muscle attachments and insertions, and diaphyseal osteometrics suggest a group not exposed to heavy mechanical labor. Based on the overall anthropological assessment of the remains, it is hypothesized that the individuals buried at the hypogeum may have belonged to a socially elite group within the population.