Description
The study of cremated bones is challenging due to the high temperatures (up to 1000°C) reached during combustion. The burning at high temperatures causes significant structural, chemical, and isotopic changes in the inorganic fraction of bone (bone apatite). However, recent developments in Infrared Spectroscopy and carbon and oxygen isotope analysis indicate that the study of burnt bones provides important information regarding pyre technology and body management in ancient societies. In combination with analytical techniques, experimental archaeology through the reconstruction of funerary pyres also contributes to increasing our knowledge regarding the effect of fire on the human body and the thermal decomposition of skeletal remains.
This study aims to investigate how seasonality and weather conditions affect the way cremation was performed in past societies by combining experimental archaeology and state-of-the-art analytical techniques. For this reason, the four legs of a pig were burned in four outdoor pyres. Each leg was burned in a different season (winter, spring, summer, and autumn) in the same location and using the same type and amount of fuel and the same pyre structure. The infrared and isotopic results of the experimentally burned bones indicate that the weather conditions and the season where cremation takes place influence the way cremation is performed. For example, humidity seems to affect the temperature reached during burning with the spring season to present the highest humidity (75%) and the highest average pyre temperature during burning (647°C).
| Period | 7 May 2024 → 10 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Cremation in Archaeology (CIA 2024) |
| Event type | Conference |
| Conference number | 2 |
| Location | Ljubljana, SloveniaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
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Prizes
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1st prize for poster presentation in the category of young researchers
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)