Approaches to the Histological Age Determination of Cremated Human Remains

Abstract

From the late Bronze Age to the Migration Period cremation of the dead was the prevailing burial custom in middle and northern Europe. Thus, for a time span of about 50–60 generations, cremations are the major biological source for the reconstruction of historic population patterns and development. Proper age determination is one of the prerequisites for demographic reconstruction. The general state of preservation of a cremation (Fig. 1) shows clearly that an application of criteria for a classical morphological age determination, especially for adult individuals, is limited. The bones are highly fragmented, show cracks and are sometimes even deformed or twisted as a result of the combustion.