A Bioarchaeological Approach to Prehistoric Cemetery Populations from Central and Western Greek Macedonia

Description

This work examines human skeletal remains from Central and Western Greek Macedonia from the Neolithic to the Early Iron Age, focusing on demographic parameters, patterns of health and oral status and diet in the study cemetery populations. These are explored both at the population level and for subgroups defined by age and/or sex. Rather than being considered as strictly biologically determined, demography, health status and dietary patterns are placed in a historical, regional and chronological context, and the archaeological background of the cemetery populations is taken into account. On this basis, the author distinguishes roles that certain subgroups held during life in certain communities. Study of the manipulation of the deceased also outlines burial practices and traces evidence of mortuary differentiation. The relationship between the deceased and the living is considered as a continuous interaction of roles resulting in the establishment, affirmation and reaffirmation of social orders.