DOI: 10.33547/ODA-SAH.12.Kaz.12
Analiza antropologiczna szczątków ludzkich z okresu przedrzymskiego i wpływów rzymskich ze stanowiska 12 w Kazimierzy Wielkiej (Anthropological analysis of human remains from the pre-Roman and Roman period from site 12 in Kazimierza Wielka)
by Anita Szczepanek 
, Kamila Szczepocka
In: Marcin M. Przybyła, Anita Szczepanek, Joanna Zagórska-Telega (eds) 2024. Kazimierza Wielka, stanowisko 12. Od neolitycznej osady do cmentarzyska z okresu wpływów rzymskich (Ocalone Dziedzictwo Archeologiczne 12), pp. 273–295. Pękowice – Kraków: Wydawnictwo Profil-Archeo.
This study is an outcome of the anthropological analysis of human skeletal remains from a cemetery in Kazimierza Wielka, site 12, dating to the late pre-Roman and Roman Period. The analysis involved 30 archaeological features, including both inhumation and cremation burials. In total, the remains of 35 individuals were identified. Inhumation graves were more frequent, while cremation graves included urn burials, pit graves, and quadrangular groove-type features. Additionally, small concentrations of cremated bones were occasionally found within inhumation graves. The state of skeletal preservation varied significantly. Some graves contained complete skeletons preserved in anatomical arrangement, while
others revealed disarticulated remains. Cremation burials exhibited lower bone mass compared to experimental averages. The partially preserved or disturbed skeletons indicate variation in funerary practices as well as post-depositional disturbances. Most burials were associated with adult females, with fewer adult males and children (Fig. 10). Perinatal remains were frequently found in association with adult
burials. Morphological observations highlight diversity in cranial proportions, with elongated crania being particularly common (Table 3). Bone measurements facilitated stature estimation (Table 4), revealing dimorphic differences, with males being generally taller than females. These findings suggest relatively favourable living conditions for the population. Pathological changes observed in the skeletons, including cribra orbitalia, scurvy, degenerative changes, and healed fractures, provide insights into the health status and physical activities of the individuals. Antemortem tooth loss was also noted, likely reflecting dietary habits of the period. Overall, the anthropological analysis reveals a community with diverse burial customs and generally good health. However, the limited sample size and preservation issues constrain broader interpretations.