Pages: 321-338 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp256321338
This article reports on the findings of an archaeoparasitological investigation conducted on the cultural layer of the Moscow Kremlin’s lower area (Podol). Twelve samples were analyzed in total. The majority of parasite eggs identified belonged to roundworm (Ascaris), whipworm (Trichuris), and tapeworm (Dibothriocephalus). Minor quantities of pinworm (Oxyuris) and capillaria (Capillaria) were also detected. The absence of designated toilets or cesspits, in contrast to those documented at European medieval settlements, suggests that the inhabitants of Podol maintained different practices regarding waste management. Instead, excrement storage areas for both humans and animals were established adjacent to the stockades; these locations would eventually be filled in and relocated as necessary. It was noted that log cabins were sometimes constructed directly atop former dung storage sites without the addition of sand. The persistence and spread of helminthiasis were likely influenced by limited understanding of hygiene, inadequate sanitary conditions, and close contact with domestic animals. Notably, concentrations of helminth eggs in certain sections of the estate of the Moscow Kremlin’s Podol surpassed those found in comparable European cesspit samples. This study demonstrates the potential of archaeoparasitological analysis of cultural layers not only for reconstructing historical sanitary conditions but also for providing insights into past diet, lifestyle, agricultural practices, and methods of housebuilding. When integrated with other archaeobiological and chemical research, this approach enables a more comprehensive and accurate reconstruction of past human activities and living conditions.
Keywords: archaeoparasitology, coprostanol, fecal markers, the Moscow Kremlin, the Middle Ages
Information about authors:
Sergeev Boris (Moscow, Russian Federation). State Academic University of Humanities. Maronovsky Lane, 26, 119049, Moscow, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0007-9497-4795
Anna Babenko (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dmitry Ulyanov St., 19, Moscow, 117292, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-6805-5476
Alexander Khrustalev (Moscow, Russian Federation). All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Fundamental and Applied Parasitology of Animals and Plant. Bolshaya Cheremushkinskaya St., 28, Moscow, 117218, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0002-4526-8719
Mikhail Shashkov (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). Candidate of Chemistry. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 9, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation; Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 5, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation; Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Akademik Lavrentiev Ave., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0001-9022-1525
Konstantin Panchenko (Moscow, Russian Federation). Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dmitry Ulyanov St., 19, Moscow, 117292, Russian Federation.
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0006-4582-6916