Resumen de Anthropological analysis of the hellenistic necropolis of Messina (Sicily)
According to the Head of Cultural Heritage Office of Messina, we carried out the first anthropological investigations on the Hellenistic necropolis of Messina (Sicily), in order to provide the first data about paleodemography and paleopathology of the population. The necropolis are traditionally divided into three different phases: the oldest one from the IV century b.C. to the II b.C. (Hellenistic period), the none middle phase (from the I century b.C. to the II A.D.) and an early phase dated to the II-V century A.D. During the latter period Mamertines mercenaries invaded Messina. Almost all the burials are single and in primary position. The decomposition occurred in empty space. The skeletons were buried without any apparent regularity, mainly in dorsal recumbency. Eleven graves were studied: 10 adults, including 4 females and 6 males, and 1 subadult. Among adults the most represented age group is between 45-55 (3 females and 1 male), 25-35 (3 males) and two individuals between 30-39 (male) and 40-50 (female). The subadult appeared approximately 3-years old. Numerous diseases were found. Spondylarthrosis was found in 50%of cases in individuals aged 45 to 55 years. It manifested itself especially in the thoracic spine. The sample showed a large spread of DISH (40%), detectable on 3 men and 1 woman. In every instance, it was visible an exuberant production of new bones into the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine to the right. An Osteoma was shown in 50% of cases, on the boards outside the skull, in male and female individuals between 40 and 55 years. In 20% of cases (1 male and 1 female) injury was unique. In the remaining 30% (2 females and 1 male) Osteomas were more numerous, up to 4. The individual of the t. 235 was a male between 45-55 years, with a height of ca. 176.2 cm. The bones of the skull and jaw appeared very large and also visible on the epiphysis of long bones periostitis. We cannot prove that this was case of acromegaly. In view of this study, the anthropological facts seem to correspond to the archaeological data, confirming that the studied population was wealthy. We can assume this because of the presence of individuals who exceeded the age of 50, the low level of trauma, the presence of DISH and wealthy diet.
