Pages:  387-416 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp256387416

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of anthropological evidence from the Volga-Don region dating to the pre-Scythian era. The study examined a cranial series comprising 32 skulls through classical morphometric techniques and assessed the skeletal remains of 20 individuals utilizing paleopathological methods. Archaeological investigations focused on the identification of ritual groups and the determination of relative chronologies, which were subsequently compared to radiocarbon dates derived from four burial sites. The craniological results demonstrated intragroup polymorphism both within ritual groups and among different cultural types, indicating diverse origins. Several ritual groups characterized by hunched skeletons, alongside burials from the Chernogorovka variant, revealed affinities with substrate (Srubnaya) populations. In contrast, ritual groups displaying elongated skeletons and series from the Novocherkassk variant exhibited similarities to Bronze Age populations from Siberia and the Urals, including the Karasuk and Cherkaskul cultures. Evidence of injuries and indicators of intense physical activity within the group suggest a degree of social tension likely related to resource competition, while markers of episodic and specific stress point to instances of stressful childhood experiences. Overall, negative environmental and social factors identified in the sample further imply high mobility within these populations.

Keywords: pre-Scythian time, craniological type, polymorphism, radiocarbon, funeral rite, Chernogorovka variant, Novocherkassk variant, episodic stress, paleopathology, substrate

Information about authors:

Maria Balabanova (Volgograd, Russian Federation). Doctor of Historical Sciences. Volgograd State University. University Ave., 100, Volgograd, 400062, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-1565-474X

Alexander Dyachenko (Volgograd, Russian Federation). Volgograd State University. University Ave., 100, Volgograd, 400062, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0001-8285-4461

Evgeniy Pererva (Volgograd, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Volgograd State University. University Ave., 100, Volgograd, 400062, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0001-8285-4461

Konstantin Khegai (Volgograd, Russian Federation). Volgograd State University. University Ave., 100, Volgograd, 400062, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0000-9365-7180