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The strange case of Apigliano: Early 'fossilization' of medieval bone in southern Italy

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Christina Nielsen-Marsh, Dr Matthew Collins

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Abstract

The preservation of the osteological material at the medieval site of Apigliano, in southern Italy, is characterized by bones with highly crystalline, and altered, mineral phases. In addition to this, some material retains perfect histological preservation, with the exception of small microfissures present throughout this structure. Diagenetic porosity is indicative of collagen loss via chemical degradation. The levels of residual collagen in these bones are much lower than is predicted from simple models of gelatinization, and thus a more complex explanation for the state of preservation must be sought. Possible explanations for the rapid loss of bone collagen are considered, including a high-temperature event, the acceleration of hydrolysis due to liming and extreme wetting and drying cycles.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Smith CI, Nielsen-Marsh CM, Jans MME, Arthur P, Nord AG, Collins MJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Archaeometry

Year: 2002

Volume: 44

Issue: 3

Pages: 405-415

Print publication date: 01/08/2002

ISSN (print): 0003-813X

ISSN (electronic): 1475-4754

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1475-4754.t01-1-00073

DOI: 10.1111/1475-4754.t01-1-00073

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