engleski

Prehistoric masacre revelaed. Four cases of perimortem cranial trauma from Potočani, Croatia

During rescue archaeological excavations carried out in 2007 at Potočani in continental Croatia, a pit containing numerous human skeletal remains was discovered. The remains showed no clear pattern of organization, and there were no associated grave goods, except for a few pottery fragments probably belonging to the Eneolithic Lasinja Culture. Anthropological analyses suggest the presence of approximately 50 individuals of various ages and both sexes. Many crania exhibit perimortem injuries. Three human bone samples from different layers were dated to around 4200 BCE by radiocarbon method indicating the deposition was a single episode rather than a long-term accumulation. All this suggests a single episode of violent encounter (massacre). Here we present results of anthropological analysis, including CT imaging, of four adult crania with clear signs of perimortem trauma. These include blunt force trauma as well as cutmarks and penetrating injuries indicating the use of different weapons/tools.

Copper Age; mass burial; perimortem trauma; Croatia

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