Some paleopathological cases from a medieval necropolis of drustar (Silistra), Bulgaria (Investigation of the postcranial skeletons)

Abstract

Drustar was a medieval town in Northeastern Bulgaria. It was the most important fortress in the Lower Danube. The bone material was excavated from a necropolis situated near to the north wall of the fortress. The burials were dated in 9th - 15th century AD. The study included postcranial skeletons of 147 individuals (42 children and 105 adults). There were observed traces of pathological changes in the different bones of the postcranial skeleton, such as fractures, osteoarthritis, spina bifida, etc. The degenerative disorders of the joints were most often occurred. The results obtained suggest that living conditions were not very favourable for the medieval population of Drustar.