A Comprehensive Paleoanthropological Study of the Unusual Burial Rite Necropolis of Orthodox Kostroma (15th-16th Centuries)

For the first time, a paleoanthropological study was conducted on the skeletal remains of the population of Kostroma from the 15th-16th centuries, discovered during excavations of the necropolis at 29B Deputatskaya Street. The authors aimed to determine the anthropological characteristics of the group and to identify its cultural affiliation. The burials were made in ground pits without coffins or artifacts, which does not correspond to Orthodox tradition. The skeletons were laid out extended on their backs, oriented mainly with their heads to the south and faces turned to the west; variations in arm positions were noted. In total, 76 individuals were examined, most of whom were adults. The men were characterized by mesocrania, the women by brachycrania; no Mongoloid features were observed. The average height was 164 cm for men and 152 cm for women. Seven individuals showed severe injuries, likely of combat origin. The main pathology identified was dental and jaw diseases, associated with environmental conditions and diet. The results suggest that the necropolis contains a culturally distinct group, likely arriving in Kostroma due to historical circumstances. It is also possible that these individuals belonged to a trading population from non-Orthodox regions