Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Hyperostosis frontalis interna in ancient populations from the Carpathian Basin - A possible relationship between
Tamás Szeniczey1, Antónia Marcsik2, Zsófia Ács3
1Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.
Objective:
The prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) was examined in different periods of the Carpathian Basin from 4900 BCE to 17th century AD. The study seeks to evaluate temporal changes in HFI and the possible impact of lifestyle on it.
Materials:
The studied material consisted of 4668 crania from Hungary and Serbia.
Methods:
The crania were analyzed employing macroscopic and endoscopic examination.
Results:
In historic periods, sex and age played a pivotal role in HFI development. Among predominantly pastoralist populations of the 5th-8th and 10th centuries, prevalence of HFI was considerably higher than in the medieval populations of the 9th-17th centuries.
Conclusions:
In addition to age and sex, other factors could be implicated in HFI development. The physiological effects of the pastoralist lifestyle and diet on insulin regulation could explain the increased risk of developing HFI in the 5th-8th and 10th-century populations.
Significance:
The study provides the first comprehensive dataset of HFI from different archaeological periods from the Carpathian Basin. It has implications for lifestyle and risk of HFI development in past populations.
Limitations:
The archaeological periods are not equally represented.
Suggestions For Further Research:
In order to better understand the etiology of HFI, lifestyle factors can be used to elucidate the risk of developing HFI in ancient populations.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Conservation of Small Populations
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Ending Relationships
What is Population Genetics?

