An unusual burial of a woman from the VII-VI century BC from the cemetery of Lori Berd (Armenia)
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5164-2024-5-223-239
Abstract
Aim. To analyse the pathological features of skeletal disease from the Lori Berd cemetery excavations and to deduce the cause of death.
Methodology. The differential diagnosis of the disease is given with reference to macroscopic and X-ray findings. Traumatic injuries have pronounced features of a lifetime intervention.
Results. The nine signs concordant with ankylosing spondylitis detected in skeleton from burial 115 turn on the following: sacroiliac fusion (possibly bilateral), fusion of vertebrae (apart from 4 cervical vertebrae), ossification of spinal ligaments and intervertebral cartilages, fusion of virtually of all costovertebral joints, the square shape of vertebral bodies, characteristic “bamboo spine” emergence of the vertebrae, the development of kyphosis and lordosis, advanced osteopenia, hip and femur bones involvement. A disabled woman sustained fatal injuries to her shoulder blade and first lumbar vertebrae from blows of a sharp object. A woman might have been killed in an enemy attack or war. The woman’s body was buried with all due respect and in accordance with the rules of funeral rites.
Research implications. The integrated study is the basis for the possibility of interdisciplinary study of material from excavations dating VII–VI centuries BC. The research results contribute to the theory of anthropological expertise.
Keywords
About the Authors
A. Yu. Khudaverdyan
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Science
Armenia
Armenia
Anahit Yu. Khudaverdyan – Cand Sci (History), Senior Researcher,
Yerevan
S. G. Devejyan
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Science
Armenia
Armenia
Seda H. Devejyan – Cand Sci (History), Senior Researcher,
Yerevan
R. A. Davtyan
Service for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ruben H. Davtyan – Cand Sci (History),
Halle
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