Survival to amputation in pre-antibiotic era: a case study from a Longobard necropolis (6th-8th centuries AD)

The Longobard necropolis of Povegliano Veronese dates from the 6th to the 8th centuries AD. Among the 164 tombs excavated, the skeleton of an older male shows a well-healed amputated right forearm. The orientation of the forearm fracture suggests an angled cut by a single blow. Reasons why a forearm might be amputated include combat, medical intervention, and judicial punishment. As with other amputation cases reported in literature, this one exhibits both healing and osteoblastic response. We argue that the forelimb stump morphology suggests the use of a prosthesis. Moreover, dental modification of RI2 shows considerable wear and smoothing of the occlusal surface, which points to dental use in attaching the prosthesis to the limb. Other indications of how this individual adjusted to his amputated condition includes a slight change in the orientation of the right glenoid fossa surface, and thinning of right humeral cortical bone. This is a remarkable example in which an older male survived the loss of a forelimb in pre-antibiotic era. We link archaeological remains found in the tomb (buckle and knife) with the biological evidence to show how a combined bioarchaeological approach can provide a clearer interpretation of the life history of an individual

Virtual excavation and analysis of the early Neanderthal cranium from Altamura (Italy).

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04644-1.Complete Neanderthal skeletons are almost unique findings. A very well-preserved specimen of this kind was discovered in 1993 in the deepest recesses of a karstic system near the town of Altamura in Southern Italy. We present here a detailed description of the cranium, after we virtually extracted it from the surrounding stalagmites and stalactites. The morphology of the Altamura cranium fits within the Neanderthal variability, though it retains features occurring in more archaic European samples. Some of these features were never observed in Homo neanderthalensis, i.e. in fossil specimens dated between 300 and 40 ka. Considering the U-Th age we previously obtained (>130 ka), the morphology of Altamura suggests that the archaic traits it retains may have been originated by geographic isolation of the early Neanderthal populations from Southern Italy.Depto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEItalian Ministry of Education, University and Researchpu

The physiological linkage between molar inclination and dental macrowear pattern

Objectives: Exact symmetry and perfect balance between opposite jaw halves, as well as between antagonistic teeth, is not frequently observed in natural masticatory systems. Research results show that asymmetry in our body, skull, and jaws is often related to genetic, epigenetic, environmental and individual ontogenetic factors. Our study aims to provide evidence for a significant link between masticatory asymmetry and occlusal contact between antagonist teeth by testing the hypothesis that tooth inclination is one of the mechanisms driving distribution of wear in masticatory phases in addition to dietary and cultural habits. Materials and Methods: The present work investigates the relationship between dental macrowear patterns and tooth inclinations on a sample of complete maxillary and mandibular 3D models of dental arches from 19 young and adult Yuendumu Aboriginal individuals. The analysis was carried out on first molars (M1) from all quadrants. Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis was used for the quantification of macrowear patterns, and 2D cross-sectional geometric analysis was carried out to investigate asymmetry in dental arches. Results: The asymmetry is highly variable on both arches, and it is associated with differences in the inclination of upper M1 crowns. Each molar has variable inclination (buccal/lingual) which influence tooth to tooth contact, producing greater or lesser variation in wear pattern. Interindividual variability of morphological variation of the occlusal relationship has to be considered in macrowear analysis. Discussion: Our results suggest that overall asymmetry in the masticatory apparatus in modern humans affects occlusal contact areas between antagonist teeth influencing macrowear and chewing efficiency during ontogeny

In situ observations on the dentition and oral cavity of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (Italy)

The Neanderthal specimen from Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura (Apulia, Italy), was discovered during a speleological survey in 1993. The specimen is one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe and its state of preservation is exceptional, although it is stuck in calcareous concretions and the bones are mostly covered by calcite depositions. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out some observations on craniodental features that have not previously been described. In this work, we present an account of the oral cavity, made possible by the use of a videoscope, which allowed us to reach some hidden parts of the mandible and palate. This is the first detailed overview of the teeth and maxillary bones of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura. The dentition is almost complete. However, two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) were lost ante mortem and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) were lost most probably post mortem. Dental wear is marked. The erupted M3s and the inversion of the compensating curve of Wilson in the M1s and M2s but not in the M3s suggest that the individual is fully adult, but not old. Although most of the teeth have their roots exposed for several millimeters, the periodontal bone appears to be in good condition overall, except in correspondence of the two ante-mortem tooth losses. X-rays of the anterior teeth show a periapical lesion, probably linked to the advanced dental wear. We also observed a weak expression of taurodontism in the posterior dentition and the presence of a retromolar space, features consistent with an attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm; this attribution is also supported by aspects of the cranial morphology, the morphometric analysis of the scapula and preliminary mtDNA data. There is also a well-developed palatine torus, to the best of our knowledge a feature not previously described in Neanderthals

Virtual paleoanthropology in karstic environments. The challenging case of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (southern Italy)

The so-called “Altamura Man” is a Neanderthal skeleton found in 1993 in the Lamalunga karstic system (southern Italy). The skeleton, dated between 172 and 130 ka, still lies deep within a spectacular cave setting, partly embedded within speleothems and extensively covered by coralloid concretions. These peculiar location and conditions would entail major difficulties in excavating and preserving ex-situ this skeleton. Moreover, a decision-making impasse among the institutions involved complicates the problem. Yet, this specimen is one of the best preserved human fossils known. From 2016 to 2020 we conducted extensive in situ investigations of the specimen. Digital techniques and equipment specifically designed for or adapted to the difficult underground context were used in carrying out the most detailed assessment possible of the skeleton. The data thus collected provide an insight into human evolution in Europe, and a first glance at the amount of information this amazing specimen could provide. In this contribution, we want to update the information on the problematic context of Lamalunga, and address the innovative solutions put in place in 2016-2020 to study and preserve the Neanderthal skeleton in this fragile environment

First observations on some traits of the oral cavity in the Neanderthal from Altamura

The Murgia plateau (Apulia, southern Italy) is a geographic area rich of karstic formations such as dolines, blind valleys and caves. One of these formation is the Lamalunga cave, part of a wider karstic complex. During a speleological survey in 1993, in a small chamber, delimited by speleothemes, speleologists found a hominin specimen with the skull stuck in the walls of the chamber and other bones laying on the ground and covered by calcareous concretions. Anthropologists visited the cave in the following years and revealed that the specimen, most likely in primary deposition, preserves most of the bones in excellent state and probably represents one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe. Observations of the skeletal features suggested the presence of mixed archaic and Neanderthal derived traits, placing the specimen in the variability of the European Late-Middle Pleistocene. A few years ago, the extraction of a scapula fragment, allowed the conduction on new analysis that on the one hand confirmed the attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm (morphometric analyisis and ancient DNA), and on the other, dated the specimen between 130.1 ± 1.9 ka and 172 ± 15 ka. Recently, in the context of a broader project financed by the PRIN program of the Italian government, it has been possible taking more precise observations on several features of the specimen. In this work, we present preliminary observations on the dentition and the oral cavity of the Neanderthal from Altamura, made possible also by the use of a fiberscope, which allowed observing some hidden parts of the mandible and of the palate. The dentition of the specimen is almost complete, except for two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) lost in vitam and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) lost post-mortem. Dental wear is marked. The inversion of the compensation curve of Wilson in M1s and M2s is clear, supporting the hypothesis that the individual is an adult. The general state of the periodontal bone is difficult to assess because it is covered by a calcite layer; however, no periodontal pockets are visible, except in correspondence of one of the lost teeth. Therefore, the high extent of root exposure might be related to bone resorption and/or compensative eruption linked to the marked dental wear. A frontal x-ray image on the skull revealed the presence of a periapical lesion in the upper right central incisor. Some features we observed, i.e. taurodontism and the presence of a retromolar space confirm, along with the cranial general morphology and the morphometric analysis of the scapula, the attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm. Also, a well-developed palatine torus is documented, a feature whose occurrence in Neanderthals, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described so far

In situ observations on the dentition and oral cavity of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (Italy).

The Neanderthal specimen from Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura (Apulia, Italy), was discovered during a speleological survey in 1993. The specimen is one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe and its state of preservation is exceptional, although it is stuck in calcareous concretions and the bones are mostly covered by calcite depositions. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out some observations on craniodental features that have not previously been described. In this work, we present an account of the oral cavity, made possible by the use of a videoscope, which allowed us to reach some hidden parts of the mandible and palate. This is the first detailed overview of the teeth and maxillary bones of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura. The dentition is almost complete. However, two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) were lost ante mortem and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) were lost most probably post mortem. Dental wear is marked. The erupted M3s and the inversion of the compensating curve of Wilson in the M1s and M2s but not in the M3s suggest that the individual is fully adult, but not old. Although most of the teeth have their roots exposed for several millimeters, the periodontal bone appears to be in good condition overall, except in correspondence of the two ante-mortem tooth losses. X-rays of the anterior teeth show a periapical lesion, probably linked to the advanced dental wear. We also observed a weak expression of taurodontism in the posterior dentition and the presence of a retromolar space, features consistent with an attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm; this attribution is also supported by aspects of the cranial morphology, the morphometric analysis of the scapula and preliminary mtDNA data. There is also a well-developed palatine torus, to the best of our knowledge a feature not previously described in Neanderthals

Survival of a one-arm warrior in pre-antibiotic era: a case study from an Italian Longobard necropolis (6th-8th centuries AD)

The Longobard necropolis of Povegliano Veronese dates from the 6th to the 8th centuries AD. Among the 164 tombs excavated, the skeleton of an older male shows a well-healed amputated right forearm. The orientation of the forearm fracture suggests an angled cut by a single blow. Reasons why a forearm might be amputated include combat, medical intervention, and judicial punishment

Of teeth, feet, and feed. The unexpectedly rapid evolution of mandibular shape in hominins

Members of the hominins – the ‘australopiths’ and the species of Homo –possess short and deep mandibles, and relatively small front teeth. This is believed to form an adaptation to life in open habitats and the consumption of though foods. With the appearance of Homo, the functional meaning of the mandible has been presumably deemphasized, thanks to technological innovations culminating with the control over fire. Hence, the selective pressure on Homo mandible should have been weakened in the process. To verify this hypothesis, we analysed mandibular shape variation in a large sample of primates by applying geometric morphometrics (GMM) to the primate mandible shape under a new phylogenetic comparative method (PCM) approach. We assembled a dataset of 735 primate mandible images belonging to 211 different species, and built a phylogenetic tree for those species. We implemented and applied a new PCM, RRphylo, to the shape data ordinated by GMM. RRphylo allows calculating the rate of shape evolution for all the branches in the phylogenetic tree, and verifies the existence of shifts in the rate across the phylogeny. Contrary to our expectations, we found that mandible shape evolution in hominins is exceptionally rapid as compared to any other primate clade, and that the direction of shape change (from the ape ancestor) is no different between australopiths and Homo. We deem some biomechanical constraints related with the acquisition the upright posture (bipedalism), loss of honing complex, and canine reduction, which is shared by all members of the clade, could be responsible for such surprisingly high evolutionary rates. This exaptive condition occurred early in hominin evolution, and generated “cascading effects” that were recruited for a number of different adaptations along and across the history of the human clade, in response to the rapid environmental changes recorded in Africa from the Upper Miocene through the Plio-Pleistocene. This study reveals the evolution of mandibular mandible shape in bipedal hominins has strong morpho-functional and ecological significance attached