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A subject with abnormally short stature from Imperial Rome
L Ottini1, S Minozzi, W B Pantano
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. ottini@yahoo.com
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|August 18, 2001
Summary
Skeletal remains from ancient Rome reveal a rare case of proportionate short stature, potentially indicating female gonadal dysgenesis. This finding offers the first paleopathological evidence of growth disorders in this population.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Bioarchaeology
- Ancient Roman Medicine
Background:
- Limited skeletal evidence exists for short stature in the Greco-Roman period.
- Iconographic and literary sources offer some insights but lack direct biological data.
Observation:
- A skeleton from a II-century AD Roman necropolis exhibits proportionate short stature.
- Features include gracile build (suggesting female sex) and delayed epiphyseal closure.
- Mature permanent dentition was noted alongside delayed skeletal maturation.
Findings:
- The observed skeletal characteristics are consistent with female gonadal dysgenesis.
- This represents the first paleopathological documentation of a skeletal growth disorder in ancient Rome.
Implications:
- Provides rare direct skeletal evidence of growth abnormalities in antiquity.
- Enhances understanding of health and disease in the Roman population.
- Highlights the value of bioarchaeological studies for ancient medical history.