Researchers reconstructed the osteobiography of two infants discovered in an unusual burial in Roman-era Croatia, providing a rare glimpse into child burials and health conditions during that time. The study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science
Tragurium, now known as Trogir in Croatia, was founded by Greek colonists in the 3rd century BCE. The researchers found twin babies buried together in a grave dating back to the Roman era between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, according to Archaeology Magazine. The bodies of the two children were placed face-to-face in the same burial pit.
Bioarchaeological analysis indicated that the twins suffered from malnutrition before birth, possibly scurvy or rickets. National Geographic Historia [https://historia.nationalgeographic.com.es/a/mellizos-encontrados-croacia-murieron-por-graves-enfermedades-metabolicas_23237] reported that the two children presented bone malformations compatible with these conditions. Experts believe the malnutrition was likely due to their mother's health condition during pregnancy.
"The combination of archaeological, genetic, and chemical analyses in this study has contributed to providing a more detailed view of how the inhabitants of Roman Tragurium lived, what they ate, and what diseases they suffered," the researchers stated.
Isotope analyses indicate that the mother's diet consisted of foods typical of the Roman era, including seafood, wheat, and barley. This reliance on seafood and grains aligns with broader Mediterranean dietary patterns influenced by Roman food culture. The findings confirm that the twins received all nutrients from their mother, either in the womb or through breastfeeding.
"It is very unusual to find this type of burial in Roman necropolises," the researchers stated. In both Greek and Roman societies, children's burials often differed from adult burials. While adults were mostly cremated or buried in organized cemeteries, children were sometimes buried in household areas or special places.
This discovery challenges the traditional belief that Roman society treated infant deaths with indifference. High rates of infant mortality were common in the ancient world, with some estimates putting the infant mortality rate as high as 30 percent, primarily due to infections or malnutrition, according to Archaeology Magazine.
Scurvy and rickets are conditions caused by a deficiency of essential nutrients, typically vitamin C and vitamin D respectively, which can lead to severe bone malformations and other health issues.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
