Dr Kathleen McSweeney, University of Edinburgh
Health and Demography in the Ancient Nessebur populations from the Ancient Greek
through to Medieval periods
Abstract
Excavations of the necropolis of Ancient Nessebur by the National Institute of Archaeology and
Museum and the Museum of Ancient Nessebur that took place from 2008 until 2010 produced
approximately 1000 burials from the various periods during which the cemetery was in use. A
large proportion of the human remains from this extremely important site have now been
examined and the results of the osteoarchaeological analysis are providing vital information on
the various populations that inhabited the island.
The human remains have been examined by various teams of osteoarchaeology postgraduate
students from the University of Edinburgh, under the direction of Dr Kathleen McSweeney,
between 2009 until 2012. Recent excavations by the Museum of Ancient Nessebur have also
revealed a number of Byzantine burials associated with the various churches on the island.
These remains have also been included in the osteoarchaeological analysis.
The skeletal investigation aimed to assess the degree of preservation of the skeletal remains, as
well as the numbers of individuals, age at death, sex, stature and health. Indications of diet,
ethnicity and activity have also been assessed.
Research questions have addressed the demographic composition of each population groups,
general health during each period, and a comparison of the individuals buried on the island
with those who were buried in the cemetery.
The results of the osteoarchaeological analysis will be presented at the conference.