Institute of Archaeological Sciences

Research projects

Nutrition, origin and health status…

Today's village of Reigoldswil in the Upper Basel region was first mentioned in writing in the 12th century. According to archaeological sources, however, its beginnings must date back to earlier times. In addition to a Roman urn burial in the lower part of the village, 3 burial centres from the end of the early Middle Ages are also known.

Fig. 1

The Cantonal Archaeology Baselland had the opportunity to archaeologically record two of these geographically separated cemeteries in the 1990s (Fig. 1).

Now the human remains recovered at that time are to be examined. In a first step, the individuals will be examined using morphological-anthropological methods.

Schwere Kniearthrose, über 60jähriger Mann, Reigoldswil Bergli Grab FK A 2147 Individuum 2.
Fig. 2

In this way, data on the age at death and sex distribution, but also the body sizes as well as the first features indicating diseases can be recorded (Fig. 2). Severe knee osteoarthritis, over 60-year-old man, Reigoldswil Bergli grave FK A 2147 Individual 2.

Subsequently, the collagen and apatite are extracted from bone samples, and stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulphur are analysed in the mass spectrometer. These isotope ratios provide information about the diet and social stratigraphy of the individuals and provide important clues about climatic conditions and migration. The data obtained will be used to reconstruct and compare the living conditions of the two skeletal populations. This interdisciplinary project, together with archaeological and historical findings, will provide an insight into the "living worlds" of the Early Middle Ages.

Project:

Dissertation project Viera Trancik Petitpierre dipl. phil. II
University of Bern, Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Department of Prehistoric Archaeology; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Anthropology, Cantonal Archaeology Baselland.

Funding:

Marie Heim-Vögtlin Foundation; Project No.: PMCDP1_151471/1