Interpreting mortuary treatment from histological bone diagenesis: A case study from Neolithic Çatalhöyük

A groundbreaking study reveals differential mortuary practices at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Anatolia, Turkey. Through histological examination of bacterial microbioerosion in human bones, researchers identified significant differences in bone preservation between juveniles and adults, suggesting varied burial treatments based on age. The analysis of 162 individuals using polarized light microscopy showed no gender-based variations in bacterial microbioerosion but highlighted distinct preservation patterns linked to age-specific mortuary practices. This study underscores the potential of histological taphonomy in uncovering nuanced social and cultural behaviors from ancient sites, offering new insights into Neolithic burial customs.

Goren, H. P., Agarwal, S. C., & Beauchesne, P. (2020). Interpreting mortuary treatment from histological bone diagenesis: A case study from Neolithic Çatalhöyük. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 31(2), 121–134. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/oa.2930