Bone diagenesis of archaeological human remains from Apulia (Italy) investigated by ATR-FTIR and XRF spectroscopy

The analysis of the organic and mineral content of biological samples allows to define post-mortem alterations and the preservation status of ancient human remains. Here, we report a physical-chemical characterization of bone specimens from some skeletal remains found in Apulia (Italy) dating back to the prehistoric, classic-hellenistic, and medieval periods. Specific infrared band ratios from Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies were considered to evaluate the extent of the diagenetic process and the elemental composition of bone.Physical-chemical post-mortem transformations were related to the soil composition and specificity of tissue districts, burial rituals, probable dietary customs and pathologies.

Automated summary

The analysis of organic and mineral content in biological samples helps determine post-mortem changes and the preservation status of ancient human remains. This study focuses on the physical-chemical characterization of bone specimens from different historical periods found in Apulia, Italy. Specific infrared and X-ray spectroscopies were used to evaluate the extent of diagenetic processes and elemental composition. Physical-chemical post-mortem transformations were influenced by soil composition, tissue specificity, burial rituals, probable dietary customs, and pathologies.