Article2007

Stature in archeological samples from central Italy: Methodological issues and diachronic changes

Monica Giannecchini · Jacopo Moggi‐Cecchi

112 citations0/0 files storedAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology

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Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies Historical Economic and Social Studies Paleopathology and ancient diseases

Abstract

Stature reconstructions from skeletal remains are usually obtained through regression equations based on the relationship between height and limb bone length. Different equations have been employed to reconstruct stature in skeletal samples, but this is the first study to provide a systematic analysis of the reliability of the different methods for Italian historical samples. Aims of this article are: 1) to analyze the reliability of different regression methods to estimate stature for populations living in Central Italy from the Iron Age to Medieval times; 2) to search for trends in stature over this time period by applying the most reliable regression method. Long bone measurements were collected from 1,021 individuals (560 males, 461 females), from 66 archeological sites for males and 54 for females. Three time periods were identified: Iron Age, Roman period, and Medieval period. To determine the most appropriate equation to reconstruct stature the Delta parameter of Gini (Memorie di metodologia statistica. Milano: Giuffre A. 1939), in which stature estimates derived from different limb bones are compared, was employed. The equations proposed by Pearson (Philos Trans R Soc London 192 (1899) 169-244) and Trotter and Gleser for Afro-Americans (Am J Phys Anthropol 10 (1952) 463-514; Am J Phys Anthropol 47 (1977) 355-356) provided the most consistent estimates when applied to our sample. We then used the equation by Pearson for further analyses. Results indicate a reduction in stature in the transition from the Iron Age to the Roman period, and a subsequent increase in the transition from the Roman period to the Medieval period. Changes of limb lengths over time were more pronounced in the distal than in the proximal elements in both limbs.

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References

1952Estimation of stature from long bones of American Whites and Negroes 1899IV. Mathematical contributions to the theory of evolution.—V. On the reconstruction of the stature of prehistoric races 1990Estimation of stature from long bones utilizing the line of organic correlation 2002Rapid change in height and body proportions of Maya American children 1999Secular change in long bone length and proportion in the United States, 1800-1970 2002Bioarchaeology: The Lives and Lifestyles of Past People 2006Continuity or discontinuity of the life‐style in central Italy during the Roman imperial age‐early middle ages transition: Diet, health, and behavior 1999Discontinuity of life conditions at the transition from the Roman imperial age to the early middle ages: Example from central Italy evaluated by pathological dento-alveolar lesions

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