A stable story: insights into the development of a (post)medieval population in the Netherlands
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 21/08/2018

Recent excavations of the historic cemetery of the eastern Dutch town of Oldenzaal produced 2750 skeletons. The cemetery has been in use from ~700 until 1829 AD and had a regional function. An extensive population study was planned for which 200 skeletons were selected in such a way that they represent the entire timespan and as much of the excavated burial area as possible. Research questions concerned the themes demography, socio-economic position, health, diet and migration and mobility. Since the cemetery had been in use for over 1000
years, we were also able to focus on chronological developments. To answer the research questions the following methods were applied on all 200 selected skeletons: physical anthropology, paleopathology, DNA analysis (autosomal and Y-chromosomal STR’s and mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal haplogroups) and isotope analysis (strontium, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen). In brief, the results point towards a stable population. Temporal changes that are observed are mainly related to changes in life conditions and daily activities over time instead of changes in the population itself. Both the genetic and isotope data show indications for incidental long distance migration in combination with substantial regional mobility, despite the fact that Oldenzaal was well connected to the outer world and a member of the international Hanseatic League. We also observed several indications for a relatively low socio-economic position of the studied population, but relatively little differences between females and males, based on demographic and health indicators. The amount of non-adults is disproportionally low though, especially for the post-medieval period, possibly indicating deviating funerary practices for children. Also remarkable is the near lack
of fish in the diet of the analyzed population.

Author: Altena, Eveline - Leiden University Medical Center (Presenting author)
Co-Author: Kootker, Lisette - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Panhuysen, Raphael - Anthro.nl; University of Amsterdam; Smeding, Risha - Leiden University Medical Center; De Knijff, Peter - Leiden University Medical Center