Thermal Alterations to Human Remains in Çatalhöyük

Bibliographic Data

ID4587153
AuthorsCassie E Skipper, Scott D Haddow, Scott Haddow (0000-0002-3970-7447, University of Cross River State), M A Pilloud (0000-0002-1704-3707)
Year2020
Volume83
Issue2
Pages120-128
Publication date2020-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueNear Eastern Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1094-2076 • E-ISSN: 1557-5594
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1086/708888
OpenAlexW3031461441
LanguageEN
References cited12

Directly burned human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts are often found in the literature, while cases of indirectly burned remains are rare. This case study examines thermally altered human skeletal remains recovered from the Neolithic East Mound of Çatalhöyük, Turkey (7100–5950 cal BCE). Individuals in this society were commonly buried beneath the floors and platforms of house structures, some of which appear to have been intentionally burned as part of the building abandonment process. The practice of house burning resulted in indirect thermal damage to the skeletons interred within the structure, creating a unique postmortem signature. A range of color changes caused by thermal alteration observed on the remains is discussed. This study presents evidence of the condition of the burned remains, including analysis of burn patterns and preservation of brain and other soft tissue

Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · History · Paleopathology and ancient diseases