Can histomorphology enhance the analysis of cremated human bones in an archaeological context? A case from the Lagunita I archaeological site, Santiago de Alcántara (Cáceres), Spain

Due to the effects of fire on bones, macroscopic observations of burned human remains are often insufficient to completely characterize an individual (age and sex determination). Herein we explore microstructure of bone fragments recovered in a funerary urn from the 1st millennium BC at Lagunita I archaeological site (Cáceres, Spain) in an attempt to determine if histomorphological analysis could complement macroscopic observation in anthropological study. Although histological analysis is a destructive technique, analyses making use of thin-sections has permitted us to unveil different stages of alteration in two pieces of the same bone despite both appearing to have similar major macroscopic alterations due to high temperatures reached by the fire (over 900 °C in some areas). Furthermore, the mid-shaft fragment suggested that the remains belonged to a young individual (between 12 and 20 years old). In light of the results, we conclude that bone histology could support and enhance inferences made from macroscopic observations improving the analysis of archaeological cremated remains.