Elena Fiorin | Università degli Studi "La Sapienza" di Roma (original) (raw)
Papers by Elena Fiorin
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 15, 2023
Scientific reports, Jan 30, 2024
Leprosy Review, Nov 30, 2023
TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa), Oct 9, 2015
El presente estudio se centra en la reconstruccion de la dieta, el estilo de vida y la salud de l... more El presente estudio se centra en la reconstruccion de la dieta, el estilo de vida y la salud de la poblacion que vivio en torno al siglo VII c. AD en la costa norte de la isla de Mallorca (Espana). Los restos oseos proceden de la necropolis de Can Reiners, situada sobre el antiguo foro de la ciudad romana de Pollentia. En la excavacion que se llevo a cabo entre 1980 y 1988 se localizaron mas de 200 sepulturas de cuatro tipologias diferentes. Esta tesis analiza el material osteologico de las 156 sepulturas que contenian restos humanos en las que se identificaron un total de 226 esqueletos. El analisis demografico mostro un 63.9% de individuos adultos y un 36.1% de subadultos. En cuanto a los adultos, solamente un 15.8% se diagnosticaron como maduros, mientras que no se identifico ningun individuo senil. Entre la poblacion, el 37% eran hombres y el 25.5% mujeres, mientras que en un 37.5% de los individuos no se pudo determinar el sexo. Se observo pues un desequilibrio en la mortalidad...
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017
The study aims to reconstruct the demography and health of the individuals that lived during the ... more The study aims to reconstruct the demography and health of the individuals that lived during the medieval period in the northern coast of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The skeletal remains, unearthed during the archeological excavations conducted between 1980 and 1988, came from the Can Reiners necropolis overlaying the forum of the Roman city of Pollentia. The minimum number of the individuals analysed in this work is 216: 64% are adults and 36% are sub-adults. The high mortality and the low life expectancy is consistent with the expected values for ancient populations such as this one. The peak of mortality for the sub-adult phase is between the second and the fourth year of life, which could be related with weaning. For the adults, the highest peak is between the 35 and the 40 years of age. These demographic data along with the low frequencies of agerelated pathologies suggest that the people in this population did not reach the senile age range as a consequence of hard life conditions. The estimated stature is compared with other European populations of different periods. The results show that the mean male stature is consistent with the values from other European medieval cemeteries, whereas the female values are generally lower in Can Reiners than in the comparative samples. In addition, we suggest that migration, among other factors, could play an important role in the fact that females and sub-adults are underrepresented in this population.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018
Dental calculus, or calcified plaque, is a potential source of archaeological information relatin... more Dental calculus, or calcified plaque, is a potential source of archaeological information relating to the lives of past societies. The recovery and identification of organic microremains entrapped within dental calculus provide new data regarding diet, health, and lifestyle. This paper presents, for the first time, microscopic evidence of the sporangium annulus of a fern within the dental calculus of an adult male from the medieval necropolis of Can Reiners (Balearic Islands, Spain). The sporangium evidence was compared with modern sporangia collected in northern Mallorca and the Iberian Peninsula. The results revealed that the features of the Can Reiners sporangium sample were compatible with the species Asplenium trichomanes. Through a historical and modern botanical literature review, it is known that this species has been widely regarded as a cure for kidney stones and alopecia. Moreover, this species was used as an expectorant, diuretic, and emmenagogue (herb that provokes mens...
HOMO - Journal of Comparative Human Biology, 2017
Occlusal characteristics, fundamental to assess the presence of malocclusion, have been often une... more Occlusal characteristics, fundamental to assess the presence of malocclusion, have been often unexplored in bioarchaeological analyses. This is largely due to the fragmented condition of the skeletal remains. By applying a method that considers dental and maxillary features useful to evaluate occlusion in ancient fragmentary material, the purpose of this work is to define the occlusal features and explore the causes of malocclusion in a medieval population from Mallorca. The findings of this study suggest that normocclusion was present in ca. 60% of the individuals (N=31), and that some characteristics, such as molar relationship, were slightly different from those of modern populations. The analysis of the occlusal features revealed for example that open-bite was absent in 85% of the sample, posterior open-bite was completely absent and overbite and overjet were normal in around 90% of the individuals. Statistically significant correlations between canine and molar relationships and between molar relationship and dental wear of the superior and inferior canines and incisors were observed. In addition, wear could affect the curve of Spee. All these findings strengthen the hypothesis that in ancient times malocclusion was not as generalized as in modern times. Although the factors that lead to malocclusion throughout centuries could have several causes, we suggest that in this population dental wear, which is strongly associated with the diet, was the fundamental causing factor.
The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and ... more The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and Padova’s anthropological working groups, i.e. to develop a preliminary paleopathological perspective of the early Middle Age in northern Italy, which is particularly interesting since it is a transition period where new foreign populations arrive. As regards Lombardy, eight necropoles (Campione d’Italia, Erba S. Eufemia, Garlate, Villa d’Adda, Bolgare, Cremona Piazza Marconi, Montichiari, Brescia Piazza Labus, Sirmione S. Pietro in Mavinas) ranging from the VI to the IX century, encompassing circa 680 individuals with three belonging to the Langobard group, were studied. Traditional demographic methods were applied for aging and sexing. Palaeopathological analyses were performed by morphological methods and in some cases with radiological, histological, biomolecular and 3D imaging techniques. These populations show in decreasing order the presence of osteoarthritis typical of rural economy, stress markers, trauma (mainly healed fractures), infectious diseases (mainly tuberculosis), anaemia and arthritic diseases of both a degenerative and possibly rheumatic origin, DISH, gout, scurvy, 1 case of trepanation, of spina bifida and of Eagle’s syndrome, – a picture which is quite different from the Roman one in the same regions and which may indicate the degradation of living and working conditions. These results may contribute to a better understanding of a period in northern Italy for which very little is known from historical sources.
Scientific Reports, 2021
This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late ... more This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic strata of the cave site of Grotta Continenza situated in the Fucino Basin of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The available human remains from this site provide a unique possibility to study ways in which forager versus farmer lifeways affected human odonto-skeletal remains. The main aim of our study is to understand palaeodietary patterns and their changes over time as reflected in teeth. These analyses involve a review of metrics and oral pathologies, micro-fossils preserved in the mineralized dental plaque, macrowear, and buccal microwear. Our results suggest that these complementary approaches support the assumption about a critical change in dental conditions and status with the introduction of Neolithic foodstuff and habits. However, we warn that different methodologies applied here provide data at different scales of resolution for detecting such chan...
DESCRIPTION The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refe... more DESCRIPTION The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to alterations or conditions of the oral cavity. These alterations could have repercussions on life style, dietary habits and diseases. In this particular context, dental occlusion is not often analyzed due to the fragmented condition of the remains, and especially due to the lack of methodology adapted to study ancient remains. The aim of this study is to propose an anthropological method based on clinical dental practice. In the method presented in this work, odontological parameters such as overjet, overbite, and Angle’s Classification of Malocclusion, are evaluated.
Collegium antropologicum, 2014
The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to altera... more The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to alterations or conditions of the oral cavity. These alterations could have repercussions on life style, dietary habits and diseases. In this particular context, dental occlusion is not often analyzed due to the fragmented condition of the remains, and especially due to the lack of methodology adapted to study ancient remains. The aim of this study is to propose an anthropological method based on clinical dental practice. In the method presented in this work, odontological parameters such as overjet, overbite, and Angle's Classification of Malocclusion, are evaluated.
A curious case of a congenital non fusion of the caudal portion of the sternum was found in the s... more A curious case of a congenital non fusion of the caudal portion of the sternum was found in the skeletal remains of a juvenile male recovered from a Late Roman burial from the Necropolis of Pollentia, Palma Mallorca, Spain. No other significant changes in the skeleton or pathological disorders were observed and potentially health problems, due to this anomaly, can not be determined. This kind of congenital defect is unusual and there are a few cases reported in paleopathological literature. Despite the fact that the sternum is one of the bones of the body with a wider variety of congenital variants, generally the described cases focus on the most frequent anomalies, such as pectus excavatum or sternal aperture, whereas the rarest variations, such as sternal bifid/cleft or failure of fusion of the caudal portion are not reported.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2013
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 15, 2023
Scientific reports, Jan 30, 2024
Leprosy Review, Nov 30, 2023
TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa), Oct 9, 2015
El presente estudio se centra en la reconstruccion de la dieta, el estilo de vida y la salud de l... more El presente estudio se centra en la reconstruccion de la dieta, el estilo de vida y la salud de la poblacion que vivio en torno al siglo VII c. AD en la costa norte de la isla de Mallorca (Espana). Los restos oseos proceden de la necropolis de Can Reiners, situada sobre el antiguo foro de la ciudad romana de Pollentia. En la excavacion que se llevo a cabo entre 1980 y 1988 se localizaron mas de 200 sepulturas de cuatro tipologias diferentes. Esta tesis analiza el material osteologico de las 156 sepulturas que contenian restos humanos en las que se identificaron un total de 226 esqueletos. El analisis demografico mostro un 63.9% de individuos adultos y un 36.1% de subadultos. En cuanto a los adultos, solamente un 15.8% se diagnosticaron como maduros, mientras que no se identifico ningun individuo senil. Entre la poblacion, el 37% eran hombres y el 25.5% mujeres, mientras que en un 37.5% de los individuos no se pudo determinar el sexo. Se observo pues un desequilibrio en la mortalidad...
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2017
The study aims to reconstruct the demography and health of the individuals that lived during the ... more The study aims to reconstruct the demography and health of the individuals that lived during the medieval period in the northern coast of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). The skeletal remains, unearthed during the archeological excavations conducted between 1980 and 1988, came from the Can Reiners necropolis overlaying the forum of the Roman city of Pollentia. The minimum number of the individuals analysed in this work is 216: 64% are adults and 36% are sub-adults. The high mortality and the low life expectancy is consistent with the expected values for ancient populations such as this one. The peak of mortality for the sub-adult phase is between the second and the fourth year of life, which could be related with weaning. For the adults, the highest peak is between the 35 and the 40 years of age. These demographic data along with the low frequencies of agerelated pathologies suggest that the people in this population did not reach the senile age range as a consequence of hard life conditions. The estimated stature is compared with other European populations of different periods. The results show that the mean male stature is consistent with the values from other European medieval cemeteries, whereas the female values are generally lower in Can Reiners than in the comparative samples. In addition, we suggest that migration, among other factors, could play an important role in the fact that females and sub-adults are underrepresented in this population.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018
Dental calculus, or calcified plaque, is a potential source of archaeological information relatin... more Dental calculus, or calcified plaque, is a potential source of archaeological information relating to the lives of past societies. The recovery and identification of organic microremains entrapped within dental calculus provide new data regarding diet, health, and lifestyle. This paper presents, for the first time, microscopic evidence of the sporangium annulus of a fern within the dental calculus of an adult male from the medieval necropolis of Can Reiners (Balearic Islands, Spain). The sporangium evidence was compared with modern sporangia collected in northern Mallorca and the Iberian Peninsula. The results revealed that the features of the Can Reiners sporangium sample were compatible with the species Asplenium trichomanes. Through a historical and modern botanical literature review, it is known that this species has been widely regarded as a cure for kidney stones and alopecia. Moreover, this species was used as an expectorant, diuretic, and emmenagogue (herb that provokes mens...
HOMO - Journal of Comparative Human Biology, 2017
Occlusal characteristics, fundamental to assess the presence of malocclusion, have been often une... more Occlusal characteristics, fundamental to assess the presence of malocclusion, have been often unexplored in bioarchaeological analyses. This is largely due to the fragmented condition of the skeletal remains. By applying a method that considers dental and maxillary features useful to evaluate occlusion in ancient fragmentary material, the purpose of this work is to define the occlusal features and explore the causes of malocclusion in a medieval population from Mallorca. The findings of this study suggest that normocclusion was present in ca. 60% of the individuals (N=31), and that some characteristics, such as molar relationship, were slightly different from those of modern populations. The analysis of the occlusal features revealed for example that open-bite was absent in 85% of the sample, posterior open-bite was completely absent and overbite and overjet were normal in around 90% of the individuals. Statistically significant correlations between canine and molar relationships and between molar relationship and dental wear of the superior and inferior canines and incisors were observed. In addition, wear could affect the curve of Spee. All these findings strengthen the hypothesis that in ancient times malocclusion was not as generalized as in modern times. Although the factors that lead to malocclusion throughout centuries could have several causes, we suggest that in this population dental wear, which is strongly associated with the diet, was the fundamental causing factor.
The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and ... more The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and Padova’s anthropological working groups, i.e. to develop a preliminary paleopathological perspective of the early Middle Age in northern Italy, which is particularly interesting since it is a transition period where new foreign populations arrive. As regards Lombardy, eight necropoles (Campione d’Italia, Erba S. Eufemia, Garlate, Villa d’Adda, Bolgare, Cremona Piazza Marconi, Montichiari, Brescia Piazza Labus, Sirmione S. Pietro in Mavinas) ranging from the VI to the IX century, encompassing circa 680 individuals with three belonging to the Langobard group, were studied. Traditional demographic methods were applied for aging and sexing. Palaeopathological analyses were performed by morphological methods and in some cases with radiological, histological, biomolecular and 3D imaging techniques. These populations show in decreasing order the presence of osteoarthritis typical of rural economy, stress markers, trauma (mainly healed fractures), infectious diseases (mainly tuberculosis), anaemia and arthritic diseases of both a degenerative and possibly rheumatic origin, DISH, gout, scurvy, 1 case of trepanation, of spina bifida and of Eagle’s syndrome, – a picture which is quite different from the Roman one in the same regions and which may indicate the degradation of living and working conditions. These results may contribute to a better understanding of a period in northern Italy for which very little is known from historical sources.
Scientific Reports, 2021
This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late ... more This paper provides results from a suite of analyses made on human dental material from the Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic strata of the cave site of Grotta Continenza situated in the Fucino Basin of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The available human remains from this site provide a unique possibility to study ways in which forager versus farmer lifeways affected human odonto-skeletal remains. The main aim of our study is to understand palaeodietary patterns and their changes over time as reflected in teeth. These analyses involve a review of metrics and oral pathologies, micro-fossils preserved in the mineralized dental plaque, macrowear, and buccal microwear. Our results suggest that these complementary approaches support the assumption about a critical change in dental conditions and status with the introduction of Neolithic foodstuff and habits. However, we warn that different methodologies applied here provide data at different scales of resolution for detecting such chan...
DESCRIPTION The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refe... more DESCRIPTION The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to alterations or conditions of the oral cavity. These alterations could have repercussions on life style, dietary habits and diseases. In this particular context, dental occlusion is not often analyzed due to the fragmented condition of the remains, and especially due to the lack of methodology adapted to study ancient remains. The aim of this study is to propose an anthropological method based on clinical dental practice. In the method presented in this work, odontological parameters such as overjet, overbite, and Angle’s Classification of Malocclusion, are evaluated.
Collegium antropologicum, 2014
The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to altera... more The anthropological dental and maxillary study in human skeletal remains usually refers to alterations or conditions of the oral cavity. These alterations could have repercussions on life style, dietary habits and diseases. In this particular context, dental occlusion is not often analyzed due to the fragmented condition of the remains, and especially due to the lack of methodology adapted to study ancient remains. The aim of this study is to propose an anthropological method based on clinical dental practice. In the method presented in this work, odontological parameters such as overjet, overbite, and Angle's Classification of Malocclusion, are evaluated.
A curious case of a congenital non fusion of the caudal portion of the sternum was found in the s... more A curious case of a congenital non fusion of the caudal portion of the sternum was found in the skeletal remains of a juvenile male recovered from a Late Roman burial from the Necropolis of Pollentia, Palma Mallorca, Spain. No other significant changes in the skeleton or pathological disorders were observed and potentially health problems, due to this anomaly, can not be determined. This kind of congenital defect is unusual and there are a few cases reported in paleopathological literature. Despite the fact that the sternum is one of the bones of the body with a wider variety of congenital variants, generally the described cases focus on the most frequent anomalies, such as pectus excavatum or sternal aperture, whereas the rarest variations, such as sternal bifid/cleft or failure of fusion of the caudal portion are not reported.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2013
In this paper, we investigate the complexities of early Neolithic diet in the Linearbandkeramik (... more In this paper, we investigate the complexities of early Neolithic diet in the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) and post-LBK communities of central Europe. Despite regional and local instances of variation in subsistence activities, isotopic evidence suggests that diet was broadly similar across its distribution, perhaps even working to foster social relationships and community. We should be careful therefore not to conflate Neolithic subsistence activities and diet, but need to be alert to their complex and diverse relationship. This paper will draw on the emerging results of the project Counter Culture: investigating Neolithic social diversity (Arts and Humanities Research Council UK, grant number: AH/R002622/1, 2018-2020, PI: P. Bickle). This project is seeking to integrate existing and new isotope data and the results of dental calculus analysis with the refined radiocarbon chronologies now being produced for the early and middle Neolithic in central Europe (e.g. Denaire et al. 2017).
The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and ... more The present research project aims at illustrating the joint goal of the University of Milano and Padova’s anthropological working groups, i.e. to develop a preliminary paleopathological perspective of the early Middle Age in northern Italy, which is particularly interesting since it is a transition period where new foreign populations arrive. As regards Lombardy, eight necropoles (Campione d’Italia, Erba S. Eufemia, Garlate, Villa d’Adda, Bolgare, Cremona Piazza Marconi, Montichiari, Brescia Piazza Labus, Sirmione S. Pietro in Mavinas) ranging from the VI to the IX century, encompassing circa 680 individuals with three belonging to the Langobard group, were studied. Traditional demographic methods were applied for aging and sexing. Palaeopathological analyses were performed by morphological methods and in some cases with radiological, histological, biomolecular and 3D imaging techniques. These populations show in decreasing order the presence of osteoarthritis typical of rural economy, stress markers, trauma (mainly healed fractures), infectious diseases (mainly tuberculosis), anaemia and arthritic diseases of both a degenerative and possibly rheumatic origin, DISH, gout, scurvy, 1 case of trepanation, of spina bifida and of Eagle’s syndrome, – a picture which is quite different from the Roman one in the same regions and which may indicate the degradation of living and working conditions. These results may contribute to a better understanding of a period in northern Italy for which very little is known from historical sources.
The osteological evidence, yet currently under study, comes from the funerary area of the church ... more The osteological evidence, yet currently under study, comes from the funerary area of the church of S. Pietro in Mavinas in Sirmione, Lake Garda, Italy. Aim and scope of this study is to frame out, from an anthropological and palaeopathological point of view, the human group buried in the church since the Lombard period (6th- 8th centuries). Burials are located both within and outside the church, which was founded between the 6th and the 7th centuries. The 32 studied tombs contain 100 individuals including 31 males, 14 females, 28 sub-adult e 27 adults whose sex couldn’t be determined. Bones showed a marked robustness and a high prevalence of degenerative joint disease. Among the traumas a serious case of multiple fractures affecting the rib cage of an adult male was present. On the whole the results the study seem suggests a fairly good health status although a case of a severe infection with partial destruction of the palate of an adult man was visible. At last, elongated styloid process (Eagle syndrome), an uncommon condition of unknown etiology, affecting some skeletons was found thus suggesting probable family relationship among these individuals.
Leprosy was an iconic disease in medieval Europe. From the 11th century, several leprosy hospital... more Leprosy was an iconic disease in medieval Europe. From the 11th century, several leprosy hospitals were founded as a mitigative response to the risk of infection. Medieval treatises and chronicles suggest that leprosy was treated with medicinal plants and other ingredients of mineral and animal origin. However, very little is known about the methods used to diagnose and treat this disease within leprosaria, and medical treatments of leprosy have very rarely put in their physical context so far. Through the analysis of the dental calculus, the MEDICAL project aims to explore the medical care offered to people who experienced leprosy and lived in leprosaria in Northern Europe during the medieval period (1100-1550AD).
The research will be developed at the Department of Oral and Maxillo Facial Sciences at the Sapienza University in Rome and at the Department of Archaeology of Durham University.