Luminita Bejenaru - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Luminita Bejenaru

Research paper thumbnail of Dimension variability of the M2 human molar teeth: comparisons between prehistoric and medieval samples

European Journal of Anatomy

Teeth are a valuable source of information for studies regarding past human populations in archae... more Teeth are a valuable source of information for studies regarding past human populations in archaeological and forensic contexts. In dental anthropology, the linear measurements of tooth crowns are used for assessing morphological variability and sexual dimorphism in both modern and past human populations. The aim of this research is to evaluate the M2 molar crown variability in archaeological human populations from Prehistory (Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, ~ 5000-1150 BCE) and Middle Ages (13th-17th centuries) discovered in sites from North-Eastern Romania. The objectives of this study emphasize on the diachronic comparison of the M2 molar crown variables between prehistoric and medieval samples (1), and the assessment of sexual dimorphism expression (2). The two crown measurements, mesio-distal (MD) and bucco-lingual (BL) diameters, were performed using ImageJ software on occlusal digital images acquired stereo-microscopically. The crown index (CI), crown area (CA) and the sexual di...

Research paper thumbnail of Domestic Mammals in the Diet of Medieval Communities in South-Eastern Romania

The paper was realized on the study of seven archaeo-zoological samples taken from sites from Sou... more The paper was realized on the study of seven archaeo-zoological samples taken from sites from South-Eastern Romania: Oltina (X-XIth centuries), Piatra Frecăţei (XI-XII th centuries), Dumbrăveni (IX-X th centuries), Hârsova (XI-XIII th centuries), Isaccea (XI-XIII th centuries), Capidava (X-XI th centuries), Nufăru (X-XIII th centuries). Animal husbandry constituted an important occupation during the Middle Ages in South-Eastern Romania; more than 90% represent the remains of domestic mammals in the studied assemblages, excepting the samples at Piatra Frecăţei (56.7%) and Nufăru (85.4%) for which the percentage is smaller. The identified domestic mammals are: Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Sus scrofa domesticus, Equus caballus, Equus asinus, Canis familiaris, Felis domesticus and Camelus sp.; the last four species were not important in food economy. In all settlements under study, the predominant species are cattle, sheep/goat and pigs, both by the number of identified remains...

Research paper thumbnail of Dental microwear as a diet indicator in the seventeenth-century human population from Iasi City, Romania

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy ... more The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy indicators of some events regarding technological shifts in food processing and social hierarchy and differences between individuals. Although DMA approaches diet characterization in ancient times, medieval samples have received limited attention, especially in Eastern Europe. The aim of this article is to explore, identify, and describe within-group patterns of dental microwear variation depending on sex and anatomic position (i.e., left/right, superior/inferior). The bioarchaeological material belongs to the Princely Court Necropolis of the seventeenth century discovered in Iasi (Romania)—the former capital city of Medieval Moldavia. We analyzed the micromorphological features on the occlusal surface of the second molar tooth through scanning electronic microscopy and imaging. Quantification of the microwear features (i.e., fine and coarse scratches, small and large pits) along with th...

Research paper thumbnail of Dental microwear as a diet indicator in the seventeenth-century human population from Iasi City, Romania

The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy ... more The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy indicators of some events regarding technological shifts in food processing and social hierarchy and differences between individuals. Although DMA approaches diet characterization in ancient times, medieval samples have received limited attention, especially in Eastern Europe. The aim of this article is to explore, identify, and describe within-group patterns of dental microwear variation depending on sex and anatomic position (i.e., left/right, superior/inferior). The bioarchaeological material belongs to the Princely Court Necropolis of the seventeenth century discovered in Iasi (Romania)-the former capital city of Medieval Moldavia. We analyzed the micromorphological features on the occlusal surface of the second molar tooth through scanning electronic microscopy and imaging. Quantification of the microwear features (i.e., fine and coarse scratches, small and large pits) along with th...

Research paper thumbnail of Review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´archéologie expérimentale, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, 2016. (Sergiu Musteață, Luminiţa Bejenaru)

PLURAL. History, Culture, Society

Book review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´arch... more Book review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´archéologie expérimentale, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, 2016. Done by Sergiu Musteață, Luminiţa Bejenaru

Research paper thumbnail of Middle Holocene subsistence east of the Romanian Carpathians: Bioarchaeological data from the Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru

The Holocene

The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle... more The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle Holocene (i.e. Chalcolithic site of Poduri- Dealul Ghindaru, in Eastern Romania, Bacău County). Poduri- Dealul Ghindaru site is the only tell settlement known in the area of existence of the Cucuteni culture, with inhabitation levels from Neolithic to the Bronze Age. In order to better understand the diet components of the prehistoric inhabitation belonging to the Cucuteni A and Cucuteni B phases, we follow evidence from archaeozoology, carpology, and palynology. For the carpological taxa, we calculate their ubiquity, diversity, and edibility score. The two sets of taxa are then compared in their similarity. Palynological data record the presence of cereal grains in all samples. We present the archaeozoological taxa with their quantification values and we calculate for the Cucuteni A and B phases, and in comparison with the Bronze Age sample, their richness, Shannon–Weaver diversity ind...

Research paper thumbnail of REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie expérimentale

REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie... more REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie expérimentale. Oxford: Achaeopress Publishing Ltd, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, 2016, 140 pag.

Research paper thumbnail of Middle Holocene subsistence east of the Romanian Carpathians: Bioarchaeological data from the Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru

The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle... more The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle Holocene (i.e. Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru, in Eastern Romania, Bacău County). Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru site is the only tell settlement known in the area of existence of the Cucuteni culture, with inhabitation levels from Neolithic to the Bronze Age. In order to better understand the diet components of the prehistoric inhabitation belonging to the Cucuteni A and Cucuteni B phases, we follow evidence from archaeozoology, carpology, and palynology. For the carpological taxa, we calculate their ubiquity, diversity, and edibility score. The two sets of taxa are then compared in their similarity. Palynological data record the presence of cereal grains in all samples. We present the archaeozoological taxa with their quantification values and we calculate for the Cucuteni A and B phases, and in comparison with the Bronze Age sample, their richness, Shannon–Weaver diversity index...

Research paper thumbnail of Genomic insights into the origin of farming in the ancient Near East

Research paper thumbnail of Genomic insights into the origin of farming in the ancient Near East

We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000... more We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000 and 1,400 BCE, from Natufian hunter–gatherers to Bronze Age farmers. We show that the earliest populations of the Near East derived around half their ancestry from a ‘Basal Eurasian’ lineage that had little if any Neanderthal admixture and that separated from other non-African lineages before their separation from each other. The first farmers of the southern Levant (Israel and Jordan) and Zagros Mountains (Iran) were strongly genetically differentiated, and each descended from local hunter–gatherers. By the time of the Bronze Age, these two populations and Anatolian-related farmers had mixed with each other and with the hunter–gatherers of Europe to drastically reduce genetic differentiation. The impact of the Near Eastern farmers extended beyond the Near East: farmers related to those of Anatolia spread westward into Europe; farmers related to those of the Levant spread southward into...

Research paper thumbnail of Bird remains from the 10th-11th century settlement of Oltina (Dobruja, Romania)

In this paper, the avian assemblage from Oltina (Dobruja, Romania), dated to the end of the Early... more In this paper, the avian assemblage from Oltina (Dobruja, Romania), dated to the end of the Early Middle Ages is presented. The following fi ve species could be identifi ed from the total of 79 bird remains: domestic hen, greylag goose, black vulture, partridge and jackdaw. The bones of domestic hen predominated in the assemblage pointing to the importance of this species at the settlement in contrast to the other species, which yielded only a few remains. The distal fragment of humerus from black vulture, however, represents a rare fi nd and brings the first archaeological evidence for this species in Romania. Age and sex representation as well as size diff erences and pathological condition in domestic hen is also discussed in the paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Analyse archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenant du site de Slava Rusa (Roumanie)

AnAlyse Archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenAnt du site de slAvA rusA (roumAnie) Analyse... more AnAlyse Archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenAnt du site de slAvA rusA (roumAnie) Analyse archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenant du site de Slava Rusa (Roumanie) Simina Stanc (1) , Valentin Radu (2) et Luminiţa BejenaRu (1)

Research paper thumbnail of The genetic structure of the world's first farmers

We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000... more We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000-1,400 BCE, from Natufian hunter-gatherers to Bronze Age farmers. We show that the earliest populations of the Near East derived around half their ancestry from a 'Basal Eurasian' lineage that had little if any Neanderthal admixture and that separated from other non-African lineages prior to their separation from each other. The first farmers of the southern Levant (Israel and Jordan) and Zagros Mountains (Iran) were strongly genetically differentiated, and each descended from local hunter-gatherers. By the time of the Bronze Age, these two populations and Anatolian-related farmers had mixed with each other and with the hunter-gatherers of Europe to drastically reduce genetic differentiation. The impact of the Near Eastern farmers extended beyond the Near East: farmers related to those of Anatolia spread westward into Europe; farmers related to those of the Levant spread southwar...

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity of the Wild Mammals, Hunted in the Medieval Settlements on Theromanis Territory

This study represents a synthesis based on the archaeozoological data concerning 40 medieval sett... more This study represents a synthesis based on the archaeozoological data concerning 40 medieval settlements on Romania`s territory (4 th-14 th centuries). Wild mammal remains are described in terms of their frequencies based on the number of identified specimens. The identified species are discussed in relation to their ecological characteristics. Archaeozoological results show generally a low proportion of wild mammals. The most frequent species, such as Cervus elaphus, Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, are present in the majority of the assemblages, while rare species, such as the carnivores appear mostly in the larger samples.

Research paper thumbnail of Animals in the Economy and Rituals of the Cucuteni Settlement from Poduri–Dealul Ghindaru (Bacău County, Romania)

Studia Antiqua Et Archaeologica, Dec 31, 2014

The present paper represents a synthesized archaeozoological approach to the Cucuteni site of Pod... more The present paper represents a synthesized archaeozoological approach to the Cucuteni site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru (Bacău County, Romania). This study explores various roles of animals in the economy and rituals of a Chalcolithic community. Animal remains are described in terms of frequencies, anatomy and taphonomy. Temporal analysis of several characteristics, including taxonomic frequency, indicates changes in the prehistoric local economy. Types of special animal deposits are described, as well as the interpretation of their ritual meaning. Rezumat. Prezenta lucrare reprezintă o abordare arheozoologică sintetizată a sitului Cucuteni de la Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru (județul Bacău, România). Acest studiu analizează diferite roluri ale animalelor în economia și ritualurile unei comunități calcolitice. Resturile de animale sunt descrise în termeni de frecvențe, anatomie și tafonomie. Analiza temporală a unor caracteristici, incluzînd frecvența taxonilor, indică modificări în economia locală preistorică. Sunt descrise tipuri de depozite speciale de animale, precum și interpretarea semnificațiilor rituale.

Research paper thumbnail of Economic Role of Pig (Sus Scrofa Domesticus) in Settlements of Eastern and South-Eastern Romania During the Past Two Millennia

Pig skeletal remains of the first and second millennia AD, in eastern and south-eastern Romania a... more Pig skeletal remains of the first and second millennia AD, in eastern and south-eastern Romania are described in terms of their frequencies based on the minimal number of individuals (MNI). A summary of previous studies in the area shows that regional variation characterizes the assemblages. The analysis of the samples was performed considering the historical evaluation of the sites, and these were chronologically grouped. Animal husbandry was an important subsistence practice in the economy of settlements over the past two millennia. Most farmers were raising cattle (Bos taurus), pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus), their ratios varying according to local geographic factors. In point of food-related preferences, the pig generally comes on the second place, after cattle and before sheep/goat, as indicates the minimal number of individuals (MNI).

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Resources Exploited in Settlements of the 2ND-7TH Centuries in the Area Between Danube and Black Sea: Archaeozoological Data

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Resources Exploited at the Beginning of the Second Millennium in the Area Between the Danube and the Black Sea: Archaeozoological Data

The paper presents a zooarchaeological synthesis for settlements from the beginning of the second... more The paper presents a zooarchaeological synthesis for settlements from the beginning of the second millennium in Dobrudja area: Dumbrăveni, Oltina (Altinum), Capidava, Isaccea (Noviodunum), Hârşova (Carsium), Piatra Frecăţei (Beroe), Nufăru (Prislava), for which archaeozoological analyses had been made. The fauna remains from these samples are mollusc, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals; the greatest number is represented by mammal remains. The presence of fish, bird (wild and domestic) and mammal (wild and domestic) remains is an indicator of activities such as fishing, hunting and animal husbandry made by the people in these settlements. The most important activity is that of animal husbandry in six of the settlements. Among domestic animals, for six settlements the higher frequency (as number of remains) is represented by cattle (Bos taurus) and for the settlement of Dumbrăveni the highest preponderance is of sheep/goat (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), followed by cattle. Among wild mamm...

Research paper thumbnail of Animal offerings found in Necropoleis belonging to Santana of Mures Cerniahov culture from the east and the south extra-Carpatian Zones of Romania

Research paper thumbnail of Temporal Modeling of Dna Degradation in Bone Remains

The aim of this study is to follow the changes that occur, in time, at DNA level and to establish... more The aim of this study is to follow the changes that occur, in time, at DNA level and to establish an efficient and reliable protocol for ancestral DNA extraction from bones found in archaeological sites. To test whether the protocol is efficient and capable of yielding good quality DNA, extraction was first performed on fresh bones. The material consists of fresh pig (Sus scrofa) and cow (Bos taurus) bones that were grounded by using a drill operating at low speed. The bone powder was then incubated in lysis buffer in the presence of proteinase K. DNA isolation and purification were done by using the phenol:chloroform protocol and DNA was precipitated with absolute ethanol stored at-20 o C. The extractions were carried out once every month for a total of four extractions.

Research paper thumbnail of Dimension variability of the M2 human molar teeth: comparisons between prehistoric and medieval samples

European Journal of Anatomy

Teeth are a valuable source of information for studies regarding past human populations in archae... more Teeth are a valuable source of information for studies regarding past human populations in archaeological and forensic contexts. In dental anthropology, the linear measurements of tooth crowns are used for assessing morphological variability and sexual dimorphism in both modern and past human populations. The aim of this research is to evaluate the M2 molar crown variability in archaeological human populations from Prehistory (Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, ~ 5000-1150 BCE) and Middle Ages (13th-17th centuries) discovered in sites from North-Eastern Romania. The objectives of this study emphasize on the diachronic comparison of the M2 molar crown variables between prehistoric and medieval samples (1), and the assessment of sexual dimorphism expression (2). The two crown measurements, mesio-distal (MD) and bucco-lingual (BL) diameters, were performed using ImageJ software on occlusal digital images acquired stereo-microscopically. The crown index (CI), crown area (CA) and the sexual di...

Research paper thumbnail of Domestic Mammals in the Diet of Medieval Communities in South-Eastern Romania

The paper was realized on the study of seven archaeo-zoological samples taken from sites from Sou... more The paper was realized on the study of seven archaeo-zoological samples taken from sites from South-Eastern Romania: Oltina (X-XIth centuries), Piatra Frecăţei (XI-XII th centuries), Dumbrăveni (IX-X th centuries), Hârsova (XI-XIII th centuries), Isaccea (XI-XIII th centuries), Capidava (X-XI th centuries), Nufăru (X-XIII th centuries). Animal husbandry constituted an important occupation during the Middle Ages in South-Eastern Romania; more than 90% represent the remains of domestic mammals in the studied assemblages, excepting the samples at Piatra Frecăţei (56.7%) and Nufăru (85.4%) for which the percentage is smaller. The identified domestic mammals are: Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Sus scrofa domesticus, Equus caballus, Equus asinus, Canis familiaris, Felis domesticus and Camelus sp.; the last four species were not important in food economy. In all settlements under study, the predominant species are cattle, sheep/goat and pigs, both by the number of identified remains...

Research paper thumbnail of Dental microwear as a diet indicator in the seventeenth-century human population from Iasi City, Romania

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy ... more The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy indicators of some events regarding technological shifts in food processing and social hierarchy and differences between individuals. Although DMA approaches diet characterization in ancient times, medieval samples have received limited attention, especially in Eastern Europe. The aim of this article is to explore, identify, and describe within-group patterns of dental microwear variation depending on sex and anatomic position (i.e., left/right, superior/inferior). The bioarchaeological material belongs to the Princely Court Necropolis of the seventeenth century discovered in Iasi (Romania)—the former capital city of Medieval Moldavia. We analyzed the micromorphological features on the occlusal surface of the second molar tooth through scanning electronic microscopy and imaging. Quantification of the microwear features (i.e., fine and coarse scratches, small and large pits) along with th...

Research paper thumbnail of Dental microwear as a diet indicator in the seventeenth-century human population from Iasi City, Romania

The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy ... more The dental microwear analysis (DMA) focuses on diet reconstructions, being able to provide proxy indicators of some events regarding technological shifts in food processing and social hierarchy and differences between individuals. Although DMA approaches diet characterization in ancient times, medieval samples have received limited attention, especially in Eastern Europe. The aim of this article is to explore, identify, and describe within-group patterns of dental microwear variation depending on sex and anatomic position (i.e., left/right, superior/inferior). The bioarchaeological material belongs to the Princely Court Necropolis of the seventeenth century discovered in Iasi (Romania)-the former capital city of Medieval Moldavia. We analyzed the micromorphological features on the occlusal surface of the second molar tooth through scanning electronic microscopy and imaging. Quantification of the microwear features (i.e., fine and coarse scratches, small and large pits) along with th...

Research paper thumbnail of Review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´archéologie expérimentale, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, 2016. (Sergiu Musteață, Luminiţa Bejenaru)

PLURAL. History, Culture, Society

Book review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´arch... more Book review, Marc BARBIER, L´artisanat de l´os à l´époque Gallo-Romaine. De l´ostéologie à l´archéologie expérimentale, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, Oxford: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, 2016. Done by Sergiu Musteață, Luminiţa Bejenaru

Research paper thumbnail of Middle Holocene subsistence east of the Romanian Carpathians: Bioarchaeological data from the Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru

The Holocene

The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle... more The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle Holocene (i.e. Chalcolithic site of Poduri- Dealul Ghindaru, in Eastern Romania, Bacău County). Poduri- Dealul Ghindaru site is the only tell settlement known in the area of existence of the Cucuteni culture, with inhabitation levels from Neolithic to the Bronze Age. In order to better understand the diet components of the prehistoric inhabitation belonging to the Cucuteni A and Cucuteni B phases, we follow evidence from archaeozoology, carpology, and palynology. For the carpological taxa, we calculate their ubiquity, diversity, and edibility score. The two sets of taxa are then compared in their similarity. Palynological data record the presence of cereal grains in all samples. We present the archaeozoological taxa with their quantification values and we calculate for the Cucuteni A and B phases, and in comparison with the Bronze Age sample, their richness, Shannon–Weaver diversity ind...

Research paper thumbnail of REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie expérimentale

REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie... more REVIEW, Marc Barbier, L’artisanat de l’osà l’époque gallo-romaine. De l’ostéologieà l´archéologie expérimentale. Oxford: Achaeopress Publishing Ltd, Archaeopress Roman Archaeology 16, 2016, 140 pag.

Research paper thumbnail of Middle Holocene subsistence east of the Romanian Carpathians: Bioarchaeological data from the Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru

The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle... more The paper analyzes the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains originating from the middle Holocene (i.e. Chalcolithic site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru, in Eastern Romania, Bacău County). Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru site is the only tell settlement known in the area of existence of the Cucuteni culture, with inhabitation levels from Neolithic to the Bronze Age. In order to better understand the diet components of the prehistoric inhabitation belonging to the Cucuteni A and Cucuteni B phases, we follow evidence from archaeozoology, carpology, and palynology. For the carpological taxa, we calculate their ubiquity, diversity, and edibility score. The two sets of taxa are then compared in their similarity. Palynological data record the presence of cereal grains in all samples. We present the archaeozoological taxa with their quantification values and we calculate for the Cucuteni A and B phases, and in comparison with the Bronze Age sample, their richness, Shannon–Weaver diversity index...

Research paper thumbnail of Genomic insights into the origin of farming in the ancient Near East

Research paper thumbnail of Genomic insights into the origin of farming in the ancient Near East

We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000... more We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000 and 1,400 BCE, from Natufian hunter–gatherers to Bronze Age farmers. We show that the earliest populations of the Near East derived around half their ancestry from a ‘Basal Eurasian’ lineage that had little if any Neanderthal admixture and that separated from other non-African lineages before their separation from each other. The first farmers of the southern Levant (Israel and Jordan) and Zagros Mountains (Iran) were strongly genetically differentiated, and each descended from local hunter–gatherers. By the time of the Bronze Age, these two populations and Anatolian-related farmers had mixed with each other and with the hunter–gatherers of Europe to drastically reduce genetic differentiation. The impact of the Near Eastern farmers extended beyond the Near East: farmers related to those of Anatolia spread westward into Europe; farmers related to those of the Levant spread southward into...

Research paper thumbnail of Bird remains from the 10th-11th century settlement of Oltina (Dobruja, Romania)

In this paper, the avian assemblage from Oltina (Dobruja, Romania), dated to the end of the Early... more In this paper, the avian assemblage from Oltina (Dobruja, Romania), dated to the end of the Early Middle Ages is presented. The following fi ve species could be identifi ed from the total of 79 bird remains: domestic hen, greylag goose, black vulture, partridge and jackdaw. The bones of domestic hen predominated in the assemblage pointing to the importance of this species at the settlement in contrast to the other species, which yielded only a few remains. The distal fragment of humerus from black vulture, however, represents a rare fi nd and brings the first archaeological evidence for this species in Romania. Age and sex representation as well as size diff erences and pathological condition in domestic hen is also discussed in the paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Analyse archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenant du site de Slava Rusa (Roumanie)

AnAlyse Archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenAnt du site de slAvA rusA (roumAnie) Analyse... more AnAlyse Archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenAnt du site de slAvA rusA (roumAnie) Analyse archéozoologique des restes de poisson provenant du site de Slava Rusa (Roumanie) Simina Stanc (1) , Valentin Radu (2) et Luminiţa BejenaRu (1)

Research paper thumbnail of The genetic structure of the world's first farmers

We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000... more We report genome-wide ancient DNA from 44 ancient Near Easterners ranging in time between ~12,000-1,400 BCE, from Natufian hunter-gatherers to Bronze Age farmers. We show that the earliest populations of the Near East derived around half their ancestry from a 'Basal Eurasian' lineage that had little if any Neanderthal admixture and that separated from other non-African lineages prior to their separation from each other. The first farmers of the southern Levant (Israel and Jordan) and Zagros Mountains (Iran) were strongly genetically differentiated, and each descended from local hunter-gatherers. By the time of the Bronze Age, these two populations and Anatolian-related farmers had mixed with each other and with the hunter-gatherers of Europe to drastically reduce genetic differentiation. The impact of the Near Eastern farmers extended beyond the Near East: farmers related to those of Anatolia spread westward into Europe; farmers related to those of the Levant spread southwar...

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity of the Wild Mammals, Hunted in the Medieval Settlements on Theromanis Territory

This study represents a synthesis based on the archaeozoological data concerning 40 medieval sett... more This study represents a synthesis based on the archaeozoological data concerning 40 medieval settlements on Romania`s territory (4 th-14 th centuries). Wild mammal remains are described in terms of their frequencies based on the number of identified specimens. The identified species are discussed in relation to their ecological characteristics. Archaeozoological results show generally a low proportion of wild mammals. The most frequent species, such as Cervus elaphus, Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, are present in the majority of the assemblages, while rare species, such as the carnivores appear mostly in the larger samples.

Research paper thumbnail of Animals in the Economy and Rituals of the Cucuteni Settlement from Poduri–Dealul Ghindaru (Bacău County, Romania)

Studia Antiqua Et Archaeologica, Dec 31, 2014

The present paper represents a synthesized archaeozoological approach to the Cucuteni site of Pod... more The present paper represents a synthesized archaeozoological approach to the Cucuteni site of Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru (Bacău County, Romania). This study explores various roles of animals in the economy and rituals of a Chalcolithic community. Animal remains are described in terms of frequencies, anatomy and taphonomy. Temporal analysis of several characteristics, including taxonomic frequency, indicates changes in the prehistoric local economy. Types of special animal deposits are described, as well as the interpretation of their ritual meaning. Rezumat. Prezenta lucrare reprezintă o abordare arheozoologică sintetizată a sitului Cucuteni de la Poduri-Dealul Ghindaru (județul Bacău, România). Acest studiu analizează diferite roluri ale animalelor în economia și ritualurile unei comunități calcolitice. Resturile de animale sunt descrise în termeni de frecvențe, anatomie și tafonomie. Analiza temporală a unor caracteristici, incluzînd frecvența taxonilor, indică modificări în economia locală preistorică. Sunt descrise tipuri de depozite speciale de animale, precum și interpretarea semnificațiilor rituale.

Research paper thumbnail of Economic Role of Pig (Sus Scrofa Domesticus) in Settlements of Eastern and South-Eastern Romania During the Past Two Millennia

Pig skeletal remains of the first and second millennia AD, in eastern and south-eastern Romania a... more Pig skeletal remains of the first and second millennia AD, in eastern and south-eastern Romania are described in terms of their frequencies based on the minimal number of individuals (MNI). A summary of previous studies in the area shows that regional variation characterizes the assemblages. The analysis of the samples was performed considering the historical evaluation of the sites, and these were chronologically grouped. Animal husbandry was an important subsistence practice in the economy of settlements over the past two millennia. Most farmers were raising cattle (Bos taurus), pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus), their ratios varying according to local geographic factors. In point of food-related preferences, the pig generally comes on the second place, after cattle and before sheep/goat, as indicates the minimal number of individuals (MNI).

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Resources Exploited in Settlements of the 2ND-7TH Centuries in the Area Between Danube and Black Sea: Archaeozoological Data

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Resources Exploited at the Beginning of the Second Millennium in the Area Between the Danube and the Black Sea: Archaeozoological Data

The paper presents a zooarchaeological synthesis for settlements from the beginning of the second... more The paper presents a zooarchaeological synthesis for settlements from the beginning of the second millennium in Dobrudja area: Dumbrăveni, Oltina (Altinum), Capidava, Isaccea (Noviodunum), Hârşova (Carsium), Piatra Frecăţei (Beroe), Nufăru (Prislava), for which archaeozoological analyses had been made. The fauna remains from these samples are mollusc, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals; the greatest number is represented by mammal remains. The presence of fish, bird (wild and domestic) and mammal (wild and domestic) remains is an indicator of activities such as fishing, hunting and animal husbandry made by the people in these settlements. The most important activity is that of animal husbandry in six of the settlements. Among domestic animals, for six settlements the higher frequency (as number of remains) is represented by cattle (Bos taurus) and for the settlement of Dumbrăveni the highest preponderance is of sheep/goat (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), followed by cattle. Among wild mamm...

Research paper thumbnail of Animal offerings found in Necropoleis belonging to Santana of Mures Cerniahov culture from the east and the south extra-Carpatian Zones of Romania

Research paper thumbnail of Temporal Modeling of Dna Degradation in Bone Remains

The aim of this study is to follow the changes that occur, in time, at DNA level and to establish... more The aim of this study is to follow the changes that occur, in time, at DNA level and to establish an efficient and reliable protocol for ancestral DNA extraction from bones found in archaeological sites. To test whether the protocol is efficient and capable of yielding good quality DNA, extraction was first performed on fresh bones. The material consists of fresh pig (Sus scrofa) and cow (Bos taurus) bones that were grounded by using a drill operating at low speed. The bone powder was then incubated in lysis buffer in the presence of proteinase K. DNA isolation and purification were done by using the phenol:chloroform protocol and DNA was precipitated with absolute ethanol stored at-20 o C. The extractions were carried out once every month for a total of four extractions.