Paleopathological analysis of changes on animal bones originating from archaeological sites Caricin Grad and Studenica Monastery

A paleopathological analysis of animal bones from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Studenica Monastery and Caricin Grad reveals insights into past animal health, use, and management. The study identified proliferative, hypertrophic, and chronic skeletal changes in 22 specimens across seven species—cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, and camels—suggesting these animals were likely used for towing or load-carrying. Oral cavity diseases in small ruminants further indicate inadequate nutrition. Researchers examined 2595 bones, assessing skeletal elements, taxonomy, and age while documenting pathological changes on teeth, mandibles, joints, and phalanxes through macroscopic analysis.

Markovic, N., Stevanovic, O., & Marinkovic, D. (2014). Paleopathological analysis of changes on animal bones originating from archaeological sites Caricin Grad and Studenica Monastery. Veterinarski Glasnik, 68(3-4), 215–227. https://doi.org/10.2298/vetgl1404215m