Nomads of Early Iron Age of 9th – 7th and 6th – 4th Centuries BC: Comparative Paleopathology Data Analysis

Abstract

Introduction. The paper reveals comparative analysis results of the anthropological nomads’ series of the Pre-Sauromat and Sauromat times, originating from under-kurgan burials of the Lower Volga region. Methods. The samples were compared regarding pathological abnormalities and stress markers frequencies found on the bone remains. Fourteen individuals’ remains were attributed to 9th – 7th centuries BC nomads. Twenty individuals’ remains were attributed to the Sauromate series of the 6th – early 4th centuries BC. The standard assessment program of palepathological conditions developed on the postcranial skeleton and skull was applied in the course of examination of the anthropological material. Analysis. As a result of the conducted study, it was established that there were no significant differences between the series when comparing frequencies of stress markers and pathological conditions occurrence. The studied groups are close to each other in terms of lifestyle regardless of cultural affiliation. Results. The series of Pre-Sauromat and Sauromat times is characterized by a specific pathological complex, which description is based on the anthropological materials of Early and Middle Bronze Age nomadic pastoralists, Sarmatians and nomads from the Lower Volga region of the late 13th – 14th centuries. The high level of traumatism found in groups testifies to the difficult social and political situation in the southern Russian steppes in the 9th – 4th centuries BC. The pre-Sauromat and Sauromat population recorded cases of unintentional lullaby deformation associated with traditions common in Central and Central Asia nomadic cultures of the 1st millennium BC.