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Pseudopathological vertebral changes in a young individual from Herculaneum (79 C.E.)
Giuseppe Carotenuto1, Christopher W Schmidt2, Joan Viciano3
1University of Palermo, Dept. Stebicef. Laboratories of Anthropology, Via Archirafi 18 - 90123 Palermo, Italy.
Summary
A vertebral septum in a young Roman skeleton was initially suspected to be diastematomyelia. However, analyses revealed it was a post-mortem taphonomic alteration, not a congenital condition, highlighting the importance of detailed paleopathological examination.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Taphonomy
- Bioarchaeology
Background:
- Post-mortem bone modifications, or pseudopathologies, can mimic antemortem conditions.
- Geochemical soil properties and biological agents can significantly alter bone preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of a vertebral septum found in an ancient skeleton (E74) from Herculaneum.
- To differentiate between pathological conditions and post-mortem alterations in skeletal remains.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of vertebrae and septa.
- Radiographic and chemical analyses of the vertebral structures.
- Histological investigation of the septum's composition.
Main Results:
- The vertebral septum in individual E74 was composed of three inorganic layers deposited over time on an organic substrate.
- Framboidal pyrite, a rare sedimentary mineral, was identified in the central layer of the septum.
- The septum was determined to be a post-mortem taphonomic alteration, not indicative of diastematomyelia.
Conclusions:
- The observed vertebral septum is a taphonomic artifact, not a pathological condition like diastematomyelia.
- Distinguishing antemortem from postmortem changes requires rigorous analysis.
- Paleopathological diagnoses necessitate comprehensive examination, including chemical and histological analyses.
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