PALEORADIOLOGICAL STUDY ON TWO INFANTS DATED TO THE 17th AND 18th CENTURIES

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Paleoradiology
• Bioarchaeology

Background:

• A hidden crypt in Roccapelago, Italy, used as a cemetery from the 16th-18th centuries, yielded over 400 individuals.
• A specific area within the crypt contained concentrated burials of newborns and infants, including five bone-filled fabric rolls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To non-destructively analyze two infant remains in fabric rolls using computed tomography (CT) analysis.
• To determine the biological profile and deposition type of the infants without damaging the artifacts.
• To conserve the fragile remains while gathering essential archaeological data.

Main Methods:

• Archaeological dating of the fabric rolls to the 17th-18th centuries.
• Computed tomography (CT) analysis of the two fabric rolls containing infant bones.
• Paleoradiological examination to assess bone preservation and identify skeletal elements.

Main Results:

• CT analysis revealed a diverse collection of bones in good preservation within the fabric rolls.
• The study successfully defined the biological profile of the infants.
• The nature of the burial and deposition method were elucidated through radiological investigation.

Conclusions:

• Paleoradiology offers a non-destructive method for analyzing fragile infant remains in archaeological contexts.
• The study successfully conserved the artifacts while providing valuable insights into infant burial practices in 17th-18th century Roccapelago.
• This approach enhances bioarchaeological understanding without compromising the integrity of sensitive historical materials.