Archaeo-biological reconstruction of the Italian medieval population of Colonna (8th-10th centuries CE)

The minimum number of individuals (MNI) is 144: 62% adults and 38% sub-adults. Among adults there is a higher number of males than females (M:F = 1.41), but with low sexual dimorphism. All the age classes are represented even if among sub-adults mortality is higher in 3 to 9 year old children, whereas in the adult sample differences in mortality between sexes are probably linked to pregnancy and childbirth. Muscle markers indicating heavy and strenuous daily activities as well as evidence for poor sanitary and hygienic conditions were noted. Furthermore, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from 58 individuals (44 adults, 14 sub-adults) and 7 faunal remains revealed a predominantly terrestrial diet with probably higher animal protein consumption by adult males, suggesting social differentiation within the Colonna community.