WEaning Age FiNder (WEAN): a tool for estimating weaning age from stable isotope ratios of dentinal collagen

Ganiatsou, Elissavet; Souleles, Angelos; Papageorgopoulou, Christina

doi:10.1007/s12520-023-01741-4

Cited by 3 publications

References 56 publications

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Tracing early life histories from Roman times to the Medieval era: weaning practices and physiological stress

Velte,

Czermak,

Grigat

et al. 2023

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

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In humans, breastfeeding and weaning depend on the infant’s needs and physiology but are also influenced by environmental and cultural factors. While infant feeding strategies vary across different regions and historical eras, the associated transition from breastmilk to solid foods is universally thought to be stressful. However, still little is known about infant feeding practices and possibly associated stress in former times. This also applies to the period of transition from classical antiquity to medieval times, which shaped modern Western civilization. To enhance the understanding of childhood nutrition and stress during this period, we first analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in serial dentine samples from the first molars of 38 individuals buried in the region once known as the Roman frontier province of Raetia secunda, now encompassing Southern Bavaria. In addition, we investigated the presence of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), known to be a marker of unspecific physiological stress, within their dentition. We used this data to create isotope profiles that display dietary changes in comparison with the occurrence of LEH. We found highly variable δ15N and δ13C values and different shapes of isotope profiles which indicate different nutrition of breastfeeding individuals, complementary foods and post-weaning diets, and individual weaning patterns. For most individuals, the weaning process was completed between the ages of two and three. Interestingly, some females of non-local origin show longer weaning periods, likely displaying the influence of different cultural practices in other communities. We also found that LEH most frequently occurred in the post-weaning phase, which supports the assumption that children were at increased risk once breastfeeding had ceased completely. Furthermore, a change in the post-weaning diet in the seventh century coincided with an increased prevalence of LEH, indicating that the foods chosen or available during this time affected the susceptibility of children to stress. In conclusion, our study unveiled diverse infant feeding strategies practiced across various communities, both in different historical eras and geographical locations.

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Tracing early life histories from Roman times to the Medieval era: weaning practices and physiological stress

Velte,

Czermak,

Grigat

et al. 2023

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

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Quantitative Analysis of Ovicaprid Bone Tools from Early Neolithic Europe Using Dental CBCT Imaging

Malivuk,

Štrbac,

Stefanović

et al. 2024

2024 47th MIPRO ICT and Electronics Convention (MIPRO)

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Life and death in the medieval mining centre of Kutná Hora - reconstructing diets during the recurrent mortality crises of the 14 th century AD (Czechia)

Kaupová,

Frolík,

Velemínský

et al. 2024

Preprint

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During the 14th century AD, the inhabitants of Kutná Hora, an important urban centre in the Kingdom of Bohemia, were exposed to recurrent mortality crises. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, this study investigates the relationship between diet and the famine of 1318 and the plague outbreaks after 1346. Together with a comparative sample from regular graves, a total of 112 bone samples were collected, supplemented by 70 first permanent molars subjected to the dentine serial sampling method. The mean bone carbon isotopic value (δ13C) was − 19.3 ± 0.3‰. The mean bone nitrogen isotopic value (δ15N) was 12.0 ± 0.7‰. Individuals from famine graves showed lower δ15N values than those from regular graves. Individuals who survived into adulthood (survivors) showed higher δ15N values than those who died before adulthood i.e. non-survivors (even in the reduced sample of regular graves). Weaning age as estimated by WEAN software was 2.8 years. There was a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors but due to the smaller sample size, the confounding effect of other factors cannot be excluded. The population sample studied had a diet based on C3 plants, with a significant contribution from animal products and/or fish. Not surprisingly, those with a lower intake of animal products were more likely to die of starvation. Plague mortality does not appear to be related to dietary patterns. Apart from catastrophic events, current data suggest that a low proportion of animal products in the diet and perhaps earlier weaning reduced the chances of survival to adulthood.

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WEaning Age FiNder (WEAN): a tool for estimating weaning age from stable isotope ratios of dentinal collagen

Cited by 3 publications

References 56 publications

Tracing early life histories from Roman times to the Medieval era: weaning practices and physiological stress

Tracing early life histories from Roman times to the Medieval era: weaning practices and physiological stress

Quantitative Analysis of Ovicaprid Bone Tools from Early Neolithic Europe Using Dental CBCT Imaging

Life and death in the medieval mining centre of Kutná Hora - reconstructing diets during the recurrent mortality crises of the 14 th century AD (Czechia)

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