Diachronic Variations (from the 17th to 18th century) of Some Paleopathological Aspects of a Small Mountain Community in Modena (Italy): the Case of Roccapelago

Abstract

During the restoration of the church of the Conversion of St. Paul, located in Roccapelago, 400 individuals were found, who had lived between 17th and 18th century CE. Thanks to the simple stratigraphy of the site and to the secure dating of the layers, it was possible to investigate the development of paleopathological and occupational aspects from the 17th to the 18th century. This study analyzes possible social and occupational changes through anthropological analysis, using a statistical method, to highlight a phase of social transition that took place in the community of Roccapelago during the 17th and 18th centuries.