Identification of medieval human soft tissue remains in an advanced state of decomposition

Naturally preserved human soft tissue remains from mediaeval burials (11-13th century A. D.) were investigated histologically after azocarmine/aniline alcohol (AZAN) or keratinprekeratin-mucin (KPM) staining. The tissue remnants were in an advanced state of decomposition; they were completely collapsed and had lost their macroscopic characteristics. After rehydration, thin sectioning, and staining, microscopic properties permitted tissue identification, although differential staining of tissue components did not necessarily correspond with the expected results based on fresh tissue. The techniques and results presented in this paper are relevant for both anthropological and forensic purposes.