Biological and environmental agents in the preservation of ancient human remains.
In osteological studies, the state of preservation of the material assumes great importance in the case of histopathological, histomorphological and histomorphometric analyses of thin sections. The aims of the present study were to compare osteological samples from graves of different eras and geographical sites in order to identify possible similarities or differences in the quantitative and qualitative action of fungal and bacterial contaminants and to throw light on the importance of the diagenetic processes that the bone undergoes from the moment of its deposition in the ground to its conservation in laboratories and museums. Analysis by polarized light microscopy revealed large qualitative and quantitative differences between the samples and great variability in the modalities of infestation. The present study demonstrates that post-mortem alterations due to the action of biological agents can in some cases invalidate the analysis of osteological samples, by rendering the material unsuitable for observation and diagnosis.
D000885:Anthropology, Physical / Q000379:methods*; D001106:Archaeology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008867:Microtomy; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods*