Original scientific paper

Elemental Status in Individuals from Naklice Burial Site (Southern Croatia): Mediaeval Diet Reconstruction

Davorka Sutlović orcid.org/0000-0002-0102-7251 ; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Split and University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Angela Stipišić ; Public Health Institute of Split - Dalmatian County, 21000 Split, Croatia
Jadranka Marušić ; Public Health Institute of Split - Dalmatian County, 21000 Split, Croatia
Jerka Pavlov ; Public Health Institute of Split - Dalmatian County, 21000 Split, Croatia
Maja Veršić ; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Split and University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Marija Definis-Gojanović ; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Split and University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Dijana Gugić ; Department of Pathology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Šimun Anđelinović ; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Split and University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia

Abstract

Elemental status of mediaeval individuals from Naklice burial site (Southern Croatia) was analyzed
and their diet was reconstructed. Samples from different human bones were taken from 16 individuals
who died in the 9th century and were recently excavated from Naklice burial site. The metal content of
iron, lead, cadmium, magnum, zinc, copper, strontium, and calcium were determined by atomic absorption
spectrometry (AAS) in flame mode. Mercury concentration was determined by three direct consecutive
measures taken with a mercury analyzer. When comparing our results to the modern bone heavy metal
concentrations, it is obvious that Cu, Fe, Ca and Sr greatly exceeded the values while concentration of
Zn and Pb were lower. Concentration of Sr was about ten times higher than in modern bone samples. Due
to environmental contamination, lead concentration in studied bones was lower than in modern bone samples.
According to our results we concluded that the probable main dietary components of individuals excavated
from Naklice burial site from Early Mediaeval period were leafy vegetables, legumes and small
amounts of cereals.

Keywords

elemental status; ancient bones; diet; mediaeval period; Naklice; atomic absorption spectrometry

Hrčak ID:

56025

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/56025

Publication date:

15.7.2010.

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