Stéphane Rottier

European Neolithization and Ancient DNA: An Assessment

Neolithic processes underlying the distribution of genetic diversity among European populations have been the subject of intense debate since the first genetic data became available. However, patterns observed in the current European gene pool are the outcome of Paleolithic and Neolithic processes, overlaid with four millennia of further developments. This observation encouraged paleogeneticists to contribute to the debate by directly comparing genetic variation from the ancient inhabitants of Europe to their contemporary counterparts. Pre‐Neolithic and Neolithic paleogenetic data are becoming increasingly available for north and northwest European populations. Despite the numerous problems inherent in the paleogenetic approach, the accumulation of ancient DNA datasets offers new perspectives from which to interpret the interactions between hunter‐gatherer and farming communities. In light of information emerging from diverse disciplines, including recent paleogenetic studies, the most plausible model explaining the movement of Neolithic pioneer groups in central Europe is that of leapfrog migration.

Dietary changes and millet consumption in northern France at the end of Prehistory: Evidence from archaeobotanical and stable isotope data

Diachronic changes of dietary human habits between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age are mainly identified through archaeological artefacts and archaeozoological and archaeobotanical studies. This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach for palaeodietary studies and to identify the food changes between Neolithic and Bronze Age human groups in northern France. These changes are probably linked to the introduction of new crops, such as millet, and the use of stable isotope analysis on bones and teeth proves to be an effective method for assessing the role of this specific cereal in the diet and the economy. Stable isotope analyses were performed on bone and tooth collagen and apatite from eight humans and five domestic animals from a Late Bronze Age site (LBA; Barbuise; 15th–13th c. BC; Aube). The studied corpus is compared with isotopic data from human and animal bones from a nearby Neolithic site (Gurgy; 5th mill. BC; Yonne) and regional Neolithic to Iron sites located in northern France. Moreover, Barbuise data are supplemented by information from an important archaeobotanical study carried out on 21 LBA and Early Iron Age sites in the region. Neolithic and LBA human collagen isotopic ratios (δ13C, δ15N) differ statistically, as do those of some animals. Carbon isotopic ratios of human apatite corroborate collagen results indicating the consumption of 13C enriched food by LBA humans and animals compared to Neolithic samples. The high number of occurrences of plant remains in the Bronze Age settlements near the site points to the consumption of C4 plants, such as millet, and would account for these results.

Recovery Methods for Cremated Commingled Remains: Analysis and Interpretation of Small Fragments Using a Bioarchaeological Approach

Abstract When confronted with buried, cremated, and commingled skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists are often limited in their analyses and interpretation by the lack of systematic training in field identification and recovery methods. Recent bioarchaeological methods have developed tools to optimize data gathering in the field that can be implemented in forensic investigations. This chapter addresses basic points regarding identification, recovery, and recording of small cremated fragments in their field context. We also present a GIS approach to analyze the spatial distribution of the cremated remains in order to identify some of the fires characteristics, such as its origin and spread patterns within the deposit.

Internal tooth structure and burial practices: insights into the Neolithic necropolis of Gurgy (France, 5100-4000 cal. BC)

Variations in the dental crown form are widely studied to interpret evolutionary changes in primates as well as to assess affinities among human archeological populations. Compared to external metrics of dental crown size and shape, variables including the internal structures such as enamel thickness, tissue proportions, and the three-dimensional shape of enamel-dentin junction (EDJ), have been described as powerful measurements to study taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, dietary, and/or developmental patterns. In addition to providing good estimate of phenotypic distances within/across archeological samples, these internal tooth variables may help to understand phylogenetic, functional, and developmental underlying causes of variation. In this study, a high resolution microtomographic-based record of upper permanent second molars from 20 Neolithic individuals of the necropolis of Gurgy (France) was applied to evaluate the intrasite phenotypic variation in crown tissue proportions, thickness and distribution of enamel, and EDJ shape. The study aims to compare interindividual dental variations with burial practices and chronocultural parameters, and suggest underlying causes of these dental variations. From the non-invasive characterization of internal tooth structure, differences have been found between individuals buried in pits with alcove and those buried in pits with container and pits with wattling. Additionally, individuals from early and recent phases of the necropolis have been distinguished from those of the principal phase from their crown tissue proportions and EDJ shape. The results suggest that the internal tooth structure may be a reliable proxy to track groups sharing similar chronocultural and burial practices. In particular, from the EDJ shape analysis, individuals buried in an alcove shared a reduction of the distolingual dentin horn tip (corresponding to the hypocone). Environmental, developmental and/or functional underlying causes might be suggested for the origin of phenotypic differences shared by these individuals buried in alcoves.

Comportements alimentaires au Néolithique : nouveaux résultats dans le Bassin parisien à partir de l’étude isotopique (δ13C, δ15N) de la nécropole de Gurgy « Les Noisats » (Yonne, Ve millénaire av. J.-C.)

RésuméLes comportements alimentaires de la population néolithique de Gurgy « Les Noisats » (Yonne, Ve millénaire av. J.-C.) sont étudiés à travers l’analyse des ratios isotopiques du collagène osseux de 40 sujets. Cette nécropole correspond à l’une des plus importantes du Néolithique français: elle compte 126 inhumations primaires sur une période d’occupation de près d’un millénaire. Au coeur d’une région située à l’intersection entre plusieurs cultures, la grande diversité des dispositifs funéraires et du mobilier atteste des multiples influences alentour. Les résultats isotopiques (δ13C et δ15N) des humains comparés à la faune régionale soulignent l’importance des protéines animales issues de l’élevage (viande ou produits laitiers) — voire de poissons d’eau douce — dans le régime alimentaire. La très faible variation des valeurs enregistrée au sein de la population montre une grande homogénéité, rarement mise en évidence pour cette période, indiquant la consommation de ressources similaires pour l’ensemble des individus étudiés. La comparaison de ces données avec les paramètres biologiques et funéraires dégage toutefois quelques tendances, notamment en fonction de l’âge et du sexe des défunts, ainsi que de la chronologie.AbstractThis study investigates the dietary patterns of the Neolithic population at the “Les Noisats” site at Gurgy in the Paris Basin (5th millennium BC), using stable isotope analysis of bone collagen (δ13C, δ15N; N = 40). This Neolithic necropolis is one of the largest currently known in France and contains 126 burials covering a period of occupation of roughly one millennium. The site is located at a point where several cultures intersect and has produced a substantial variety of grave goods and burial practices that attest to multiple influences. Compared to a regional isotopic data set on the regional fauna, our results show the importance of animal proteins from livestock (meat and dairy products) in the human diet at the time, which probably also included freshwater fish. The low δ13C and δ15N ranges recorded for this population indicate considerable homogeneity, which has rarely been demonstrated for the Neolithic. The comparison with bioarchaeological parameters did, however, reveal some distinctive trends, especially in relation to age, sex, and chronology.

Faut-il mener une diagnose sexuelle in situ dans les grands ensembles funéraires ? Le cas du cimetière médiéval de Val-de-Reuil (Eure), "Le Chemin aux Errants"

RésuméCette étude a pour but de tester et quantifier l’apport de la détermination du sexe des individus sur le terrain, notamment en contexte préventif, au travers des diagnoses sexuelles métrique (DSP) et morphologique, et de la diagnose sexuelle secondaire (DSS), employée expérimentalement avec les longueurs maximales des os longs mesurées in situ. Nous nous appuyons sur une série de 103 squelettes, adultes et adolescents matures, issus du cimetière médiéval du « Chemin aux Errants », à Val-de-Reuil (Eure), fouillé par l’Inrap en 2012. La comparaison systématique des données de terrain et de laboratoire permet de démontrer une excellente concordance entre celles-ci et de révéler une perte d’informations entre la fouille et le post-fouille. Nous montrons que l’acquisition des données de terrain in situ, peu chronophage, contribue à améliorer la compréhension du site et pourrait être systématisée en fonction du contexte et des problématiques d’intervention. La précision et la fiabilité des mesures ainsi prises permettent aussi de les considérer comme définitives, et ne pas avoir à les vérifier a posteriori représenterait un gain de temps certain. En revanche, l’utilisation de la méthode morphologique visuelle sur le terrain peut entrainer des déterminations erronées lorsque le principe de majorité n’est pas appliqué rigoureusement. Cela amène une réflexion sur le choix de la méthode à employer in situ et sur l’adoption de stratégies d’enregistrement des données adéquates.AbstractThis study aims to test and quantify the contribution, particularly in preventive archaeology, of sex determination in the field by means of metric (DSP) and morphological sex diagnoses and secondary sex diagnosis (DSS), used experimentally by measuring the maximum lengths of long bones in situ. We used a series of 103 adult and mature adolescent skeletons from the medieval cemetery of “Le Chemin aux Errants”, in Val-de-Reuil (Eure, Upper Normandy, France), excavated by Inrap in 2012. Systematic comparisons between field data and laboratory data showed not only a high degree of concordance but also a loss of information between the excavation and the post-excavation phases. We thus show that data recording in the field, which takes little time, could take place systematically, depending on the context and the field issues. Thanks to the accuracy and reliability of in situ measurements, they can be considered conclusive, thus saving the time that would otherwise be spent on a posteriori verifications. On the other hand, using visual morphological methods in the field can cause errors in sex determination if the majority rule is not rigorously applied. This implies careful consideration in order to choose the method to be used in situ and to adopt the most suitable data recording strategies.

Le dénombrement des sujets immatures dans les sépultures collectives : l’exemple néolithique de « La Truie Pendue » (Passy, Yonne)

RésuméL’examen des restes immatures de la sépulture collective néolithique récent de « La Truie Pendue », située à Passy dans le département de l’Yonne, a permis de développer une méthode de dénombrement des sujets immatures adaptée à une sépulture collective comprenant de nombreux restes fragmentés. En plus d’une estimation du nombre minimum de sujets immatures, cette méthode propose une répartition par classe d’âge de cette population immature. Les perspectives offertes pour appréhender la place des enfants dans les sépultures collectives néolithiques et dans ces sociétés se trouvent multipliées. Ainsi, les résultats obtenus pour « La Truie Pendue » ont permis de mettre en oeuvre une étude du recrutement qui semble indiquer que les sujets immatures ont eu accès à la sépulture dans des proportions compatibles avec un schéma de mortalité « naturelle ».AbstractIn this article, we describe a method to estimate the minimum number of immature individuals (MNI) in fragmentary and commingled skeletal assemblages. The method uses the principles of exclusion traditionally used in anthropological studies: overlapping bone and age-related size. We applied these principles to the anatomical features of bones and then to complete skeletons to estimate the MNI. By calculating the MNI with this protocol, we were also able to assess the age composition of the sample. Our analysis of the immature skeletal assemblage from the Neolithic mass grave known as “La Truie Pendue” (at Passy in Northern France) showed that the sample was made up of 30 infants. However, MNI estimations are limited by the lack of reliable methods to assess the ages of fragmentary immature remains. Having estimated the MNI and age composition of this assemblage, we were then able to conduct a palaeodemographic analysis. This showed that the age-specific mortality estimated at “La Truie Pendue” tallies with natural mortality. This might suggest that at least some immature individuals were buried in a mass grave as the adults were. However, only by studying other Neolithic mass graves will we be able to offer a hypothesis for the funerary and social treatment of children during the Neolithic.

Who was a ‘Child’ During the Neolithic in France?

ABSTRACT In France, during the Neolithic period (5700–2100 BC), several cultural groups have been identified. In the Early Neolithic, burials were simple and gathered in small groups. This was followed by monumentalization and collectivization during the Middle Neolithic, before becoming exclusive at the end of the Neolithic. The aim of this research is to focus on children within these various contexts in terms of funerary practices, age distribution and burial location (either adjacent to domestic structures or within strictly funerary contexts). Proposals for division by age classes of a social nature for each Neolithic period and for the large regional areas distinguished within France are also advanced. We then observe two main issues considering the exclusion of some age classes and the unique case of collective burial sites.

Dietary patterns in the Neolithic: New isotopic evidence (δ13C, δ15N) from the “Les Noisats” necropolis at Gurgy in the Paris Basin (5th millennium BC)

RésuméLes comportements alimentaires de la population néolithique de Gurgy « Les Noisats » (Yonne, Ve millénaire av. J.-C.) sont étudiés à travers l’analyse des ratios isotopiques du collagène osseux de 40 sujets. Cette nécropole correspond à l’une des plus importantes du Néolithique français: elle compte 126 inhumations primaires sur une période d’occupation de près d’un millénaire. Au coeur d’une région située à l’intersection entre plusieurs cultures, la grande diversité des dispositifs funéraires et du mobilier atteste des multiples influences alentour. Les résultats isotopiques (δ13C et δ15N) des humains comparés à la faune régionale soulignent l’importance des protéines animales issues de l’élevage (viande ou produits laitiers) — voire de poissons d’eau douce — dans le régime alimentaire. La très faible variation des valeurs enregistrée au sein de la population montre une grande homogénéité, rarement mise en évidence pour cette période, indiquant la consommation de ressources similaires pour l’ensemble des individus étudiés. La comparaison de ces données avec les paramètres biologiques et funéraires dégage toutefois quelques tendances, notamment en fonction de l’âge et du sexe des défunts, ainsi que de la chronologie.AbstractThis study investigates the dietary patterns of the Neolithic population at the “Les Noisats” site at Gurgy in the Paris Basin (5th millennium BC), using stable isotope analysis of bone collagen (δ13C, δ15N; N = 40). This Neolithic necropolis is one of the largest currently known in France and contains 126 burials covering a period of occupation of roughly one millennium. The site is located at a point where several cultures intersect and has produced a substantial variety of grave goods and burial practices that attest to multiple influences. Compared to a regional isotopic data set on the regional fauna, our results show the importance of animal proteins from livestock (meat and dairy products) in the human diet at the time, which probably also included freshwater fish. The low δ13C and δ15N ranges recorded for this population indicate considerable homogeneity, which has rarely been demonstrated for the Neolithic. The comparison with bioarchaeological parameters did, however, reveal some distinctive trends, especially in relation to age, sex, and chronology.

The role of fire within Neolithic collective burials: Spatial analyses of cremains from the site of La Truie Pendue, France

The use of collective graves is one of the main features of the western European Late Neolithic. A single gravesite received the successive deposition of dozens or sometimes hundreds of individuals. While cremations or even full-fired inhumation layers are often found within these funerary deposits, the actual role of fire is still poorly understood. Recently discovered within the important archaeological complex of Passy (Yonne, France), the burned collective grave of La Truie-Pendue provides an outstanding case study to examine the use of fire within Neolithic funerary rites. In this study, we develop a new contextual approach to bone alterations in order to reconstruct the original circumstances of combustion and to examine cultural motivations for the use of fire. Results of spatial statistical analyses indicate that the fire event was the first step of a procedure that sealed the grave, closed the access to the dead and signaled the end of the graves history. Similar sealing procedures were usual elsewhere during the Late Neolithic. Finally, this study demonstrates the value of using GIS as a tool to optimize taphonomic analyses of widely fragmented and commingled skeletal assemblages.