A Békés Megyei Múzeumok Közleményei 24-25. (Békéscsaba, 2003)

Hadak Útján XIII. A népvándorlás kor fiatal kutatóinak konferenciája Gyula, 2002. szeptember 17–19. - Molnár Erika–Marcsik Antónia: Paleopathological alterations in an Avar age skeletal series (Szarvas 68.)

Paleopatológiai elváltozások egy avar kori széria embertani anyagában Paleopathological alterations in an Avar age skeletal series (Szarvas 68.) - Erika Molnár - Antónia Marcsik Resume The Avars are one of the most remarkable populations of the Migration Period Hungary. The 7-9th century series of Szarvas represents an outstanding example of Avar age skeletal populations with grave goods, like a runic scripted needle-case. Our attention was directed to this series by the relatively high number of linear hypoplasia, detected in a previous study. It is generally accepted that taphonomical processes might largely influence the efficiency of paleopathological evaluation, therefore a bone quantification index was utilized during the examination of the skeletal collection. The macro-morphological examination of the 423 skeletons was completed with radiological, and in few cases, with paleomicrobiological analyses. Special attention was paid to infectious alterations, particularly to tuberculosis, which usually has a relatively high prevalence in Avar Age series. Our sample also shows a high number of infectious changes, however, they do not include any „classical", advanced stage ТВ cases. The detected alterations are rather atypical, early stage forms, like endocranial alterations, observed mainly in children and young adults, often in association with other post-cranial pathological conditions. However, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was also confirmed in an aged male individual on the basis of paleomicrobiological analyses carried out on calcified pleura remains. Beside infections, degenerative changes can be seen most frequently in the series both in the spine, and, concerning extra-vertebral locations, in the hip and shoulder joint. Among developmental anomalies, the presence of „butterfly vertebra" is worth mentioning. Molnár Erika-Marcsik Antónia Szegedi Egyetem, Embertani Tanszék 6701 Szeged, Pf.: 660 balinte@bio. u-szeged. hu 423