Pages: 433-441 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp255433441

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.

Keywords: medieval city, ground burial ground, burial rite, craniology, osteology, paleopathology

Information about authors:

Sergey Vasilyev (Moscow, Russian Federation). Doctor of Historical Sciences. N. N. Miklukho-Maklai Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences. Lenin Ave., 32-A, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-0128-6568
Alexander Novikov (Kostroma, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. “Kostroma Archaeological Expedition” Ltd. Marshal Novikov St., 10, Kostroma, 156013, Kostroma Oblast, Russian Federation; Institute of Archaeology named after A. Kh. Khalikov, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. Butlerov St., 30, Kazan, 420012, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0008-9637-3771
Svetlana Borutskaya (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-0753-151X
Olga Novikova (Kostroma, Russian Federation). “Kostroma Archaeological Expedition” Ltd. Marshal Novikov St., 10, Kostroma, 156013, Kostroma Oblast, Russian Federation.
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0009-6614-8554