Preliminary Report on the Paleopathological Research of the Skeletal Material from the Opi-Val Fondillo Site (L'Aquila, VI-V B.C.E.)

Abstract

This study focusses on some diseases that occurred in the human remains from the Samnitic necropolis of Opi Val Fondillo (AQ) by the river Sangro in the middle of the National Park of Abruzzo (Central Italy). Up to now, 89 people have undergone general anthropological investigations. Further inquiries were necessary. The most common pathological disorders were cervical, lumbar and sternoclavicular arthrosis. There were some skeletal evidences of identifiable traumas; particularly the fractures of ribs and upper limbs. The incidence of developmental defects in the skeletal population is moderate. Moreover, there is a case of cancer to report: a cranial osteoma, that is a benign tumor localized on the right side of the frontal bone, with a diameter of about 1 cm, formed by a dense, symptomatic lamellar bone with no consequences during life.